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Ukraine: Anniversaries and Reflections

February 2024 marks the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But that’s not the only anniversary Ukrainians may be thinking about.

March will mark the 10th anniversary of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, which occurred in the weeks after thousands of “little green men” in unmarked uniforms suddenly swarmed the peninsula. With Kremlin support, they set up a phony referendum that was then used to justify Russia’s annexation moves. The United Nations General Assembly, and most individual nations, have rejected Russia’s claim on Crimea. Of course, Russian forces are still there.

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Moscow’s Aggression, Moldova’s Defiance

Prior to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, 99 percent of Moldova’s energy needs were met through a Kremlin-controlled pipeline. Two years later, Moldova has largely stopped buying Russian natural gas, it’s continuing to criticize Russian expansionist policies, and it’s on a path to becoming a full member of the EU.

Few countries would appear to be more vulnerable to Russian pressure than the small, landlocked Republic of Moldova. Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe in terms of its GDP, and it has long been reliant on Russian oil and gas to meet its energy needs. Russia has also been the largest market for one of Moldova’s most prized exports: its award-winning wines.

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Our Environment: All Isn’t Lost

In 2023, the rate of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest was cut in half, the US reduced its carbon emissions by 2%, and scientists in Australia discovered common molds that can break down some plastics in only 140 days.

Smog-inducing forest fires in Canada. Historic floods in South Asia. Cyclones in East Africa. Last year, our world was struck by a wide range of climate shocks that impacted millions of lives and, understandably, captured much of our attention. But 2023 also brought glimmers of hope… modest signs of progress suggesting that we can build a healthier environment, and cleaner future.

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Humanitarian Need and Response Patterns

In 2022, the number of people in humanitarian need hit record levels. And, while spread across 60+ countries, more than half of those in need resided in just ten countries. What’s more, two-thirds of the global humanitarian response came from just three donors.

Since 2010, researchers at Development Initiatives, a UK-based international organization “harnessing the power of data and evidence to end poverty, reduce inequality, and increase resilience,” have released an annual Global Humanitarian Assistance Report capturing the state of the world’s humanitarian needs. In the opening pages of its 2023 report, which covers the year 2022, it warns that the data “paints a picture of a humanitarian system overwhelmed.”

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Author

Ambassador Mark A. Green

President & CEO, Wilson Center

One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004-3027

Phone: (202) 691-4000

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