In February 2022, after a decade of conflict manifested in continuous low-intensity fighting in southeastern Ukraine and after many months of a gradual increase in tensions between them, Russia invaded Ukraine. The general expectation was that Ukraine would be swiftly defeated, but the Ukrainians maintained a stubborn defense and compelled the Russians to retreat from much of the area they had conquered. A war expected to last weeks has continued for 18 months and the end is not yet in sight. This war affects the entire world because of the political and economic ripples flowing from it.