🌍 It’s been three years since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began, and a lot has happened during this time. Both countries have faced big challenges, but there are signs of hope too.
Economic Ups and Downs 📈📉
In the first year of the conflict, both Russia and Ukraine saw their economies suffer. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ukraine’s economy shrank by a huge 28.8%, leading to the biggest recession in its history. Russia’s economy also went down by 1.2%.
But things started to look better over the next two years. Starting in 2024, both countries began to slowly recover. They started trading more with other countries, which helped their economies grow.
Support from Around the World 🤝
Countries around the world have been helping Ukraine. From January 2022 to December 2024, European countries gave over €132.3 billion to help Ukraine. The United States also provided over €100 billion during that time.
This support included money and other kinds of help. For example, the U.S. Department of State reported that the U.S. provided $65.9 billion in military assistance since February 2022.
The Impact on People 💔
The conflict has been very hard on people living in Ukraine. Missile and rocket attacks have caused damage to homes and businesses, and many people had to leave their homes to find safety.
As of February 2025, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said that over 6 million Ukrainians were living as refugees in Europe, with more elsewhere around the world. Some people have started to return home, hoping to rebuild their lives.
Looking Ahead 🌟
The past three years have been tough for both Russia and Ukraine, but there are signs of recovery and hope. As economies improve and people begin to return home, everyone is hoping for a peaceful future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
