Across the world many have watched in horror at the scenes developing in Ukraine, as the Russian military proceed with a ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine.

This was despite diplomatic talks, and the wide reaching consequences of what is happening in Ukraine cannot be underestimated. The sanctions placed on Russia by countries across the world including the UK, did nothing to stop and have not stopped what is happening in Ukraine.

Nobody actually knows Russia’s true intentions in Ukraine.

Russian military troops have been assembling on the border of Ukraine since the end of 2021.

Some of the reasons suggested are; threats of NATO expansion and Russia wanting to demilitarise Ukraine. Parts of Ukraine are used to conflict with Russia as conflict in the country is nothing new.

Countries neighbouring countries who are NATO members have seen NATO resources from across the world gathering just in case the conflict spills over.

NATO troops currently are not planning to enter Ukraine as they are not a member, but military and humanitarian aid is being offered to Ukraine.

While the war rages across parts of Ukraine, we must not forget the hundreds of thousands, probably eventually turning into millions of people who will be temporarily or permanently displaced by this conflict.

None of them are to blame for the situation which they face. Neighbouring countries are doing their bit to help Ukrainian refugees, by allowing quick and safe passage.

Poland, for example, is offering homes and education to all Ukrainian refugees entering the country. The European Union also plans to relax asylum rules for three years. Sadly the UK has not agreed to similar measures to help refugees.

Suggestions have been made that refugees should apply for temporary worker visas, something which was introduced to help with workers shortages following exit from the EU.

Threats of escalation from all sides are extremely worrying, especially now that use of nuclear weapons has been mentioned.

Although described as a deterrent that would never be used, the threat of using them is something which should never be underestimated.

Nobody is to know how this current conflict will play out or end. The warmongering from governments across the world, has and will make things worse.

Economic sanctions against Russia are designed to harm the Russian state and their ability to finance further war. But they will also harm ordinary people in Russia, a majority of whom do not support the war in Ukraine.

There will be worldwide consequences of these current events, fuel prices for example in the UK jump again, with a litre of diesel now over £1.50, the fuel crisis could also worsen in other parts of Europe, who heavily rely on Russian gas.

The impacts of war will always hit ordinary men, women and children the hardest, whether that be directly or indirectly. We must work internationally to end imperialist wars and occupations.

It is not just war in Ukraine which needs to end immediately, but all conflict across the world.