Russia Invades Ukraine; the Implications in Belize

Overnight, Russia invaded Ukraine, the second largest country by area in Europe with a population of over forty million. Explosions were heard and could have been seen in the distance as a full on attack ensued. World leaders have been aware of the tensions between both countries and some are supplying Ukraine with firearms and ammunition to defend itself against the Russian attack. And if you think that Belize is far removed from what’s happening, think again. There are rippling effects for small countries like Belize that are dependent on imports. Today, Prime Minister John Briceño spoke of the unfortunate attack that in some quarters is being described as a full-fledged war.

John Briceño

Prime Minister John Briceño

“It is unfortunate that Russia would do such thing. We have been hearing on the news over and over for some time that they would do so. We were hoping that they would not do so, that diplomacy would prevail, but obviously it did not. How it is going to affect us, you know already the price of fuel continues to go up. As it is right now, it is over a hundred dollars per barrel. As I mentioned yesterday; we import pretty much most of our food and so it’s bad news for Belize, especially for small countries like us. Already the stock market has taken a big hit, as we saw this morning on TV. So let’s hope and pray that better heads prevail and that maybe Russia can find a way to deescalate very quickly.”

Early this morning Belize’s Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow issued a statement saying the Opposition vehemently condemns the Russian invasion and calls on NATO and the United Nations to take whatever actions are necessary to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. U.S. President Joe Biden today announced that it will impose sanctions against Russia, saying it is a flagrant violation of international law.