The Editor's Perspective on Ukraine
I’ve heard a lot of concern about the current situation in Ukraine and the effect it will have on us as Judge students. The following will address many of the questions I’ve heard over the last few days.
-Sam Oswald, Editor-in-Chief
Does this mean the US is at war with Russia?
No. Putin was able to rationalize the invasion of Ukraine because he knew the US, the UK, and the EU wouldn’t justify starting a war over it. As Ukraine is not a member of NATO, no country is obligated to defend them.
Protests in Berlin.
Credit: Lewis Bormann
What’s going to happen next?
Although Putin’s endgame is unclear, experts believe he will either depose the current democratically elected President, Volodymyr Zelensky, and either replace him with a pro-Russian puppet or completely absorb Ukraine’s territory as Russian.
What is the US’s response?
The United States, the UK, and the EU have all declared sanctions that include preventing Russian banks from utilizing their currencies, have banned travel for certain Russian and Belursian elites, and paused the approval of a multi-billion dollar gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. These sanctions will hurt the elites who support Putin while staying away from the average Russian citizen.
Will this lead to war with Russia?
Unlikely. The only way the US will get militarily involved is if Russia invades a country that is a member of NATO. Currently, there is no evidence that the Russians have plans for another invasion, but the NATO countries at the highest risk include Romania, Poland, and Lithuania.
Is there a chance I will be drafted because of this?
No. Though all American men are still required to register for Selective Service when they turn 18, the chances of a conflict breaking out that would require a draft are highly improbable.
What effects will we as Judge students feel?
Gasoline Price Increases: Thankfully, the United States has few economic ties with either Ukraine or Russia. However, the EU and the UK are heavily reliant on Russian oil and natural gas. Due to economic sanctions and the potential for Russia to cut off their supply, the US has promised to support Europe with American oil and gas. Seeing the gap in the market, foreign and domestic oil and gas suppliers have raised their prices to profit from the situation. But, an actual oil and gas shortage in America is unlikely.
Stock Market Volatility: The uncertainty about the outcome in Ukraine has spooked markets globally; every major stock exchange has declined. The US market is down more than 10% since the invasion appeared imminent. Markets will probably rebound as the result of the invasion becomes more clear.
