This Is How Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Is Already Impacting Life in Florida

Fewer tourists, record-high gas prices, and cutbacks on spending are some of the ways the war abroad is affecting the Sunshine State.

The world has been deeply shaken by the news coming out of Ukraine after Russia launched an invasion in the Eastern European country in the early hours of Feb. 24, the largest military operation in Europe since World War II. 

The repercussions of this act that world leaders have condemned as “barbaric” are being felt around the globe. In addition to the anguish, worry and pain felt by Ukrainians who call the Sunshine State home, the conflict is affecting the daily life of all Floridians. 

Fears for the Economy

• Gas prices soar. Russia produced more than one-tenth of the world’s oil in 2020, according to BP, a British multinational oil and gas company headquartered in London, England. With probable sanctions on the energy market, plus general uncertainty due to the war there, gas prices can be expected to reach record highs by this summer.

• Florida could see fewer tourists from Europe, says Robert Lloyd, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Palm Beach Atlantic University. “We have a lot of international travelers, who come from particularly Europe, who will come to places like Orlando for the tourism there, or to South Florida, and that may be adversely affected.”

• The global unrest could prompt American consumers to cut back on spending and other economic activities, according to The New York Times. For example, home buyers in all price ranges may avoid making a purchase amid stock market uncertainty. There is also concern about how a potential war in Europe could impact inflation in the US, which is already at a 40-year high.  

• Many flights to Russia have been canceled. In fact, Miami International Airport’s three weekly flights to and from Moscow have been blocked by the FAA.

• Because of safety concerns, major cruise lines have canceled planned stops in all Russian ports. These include Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises, Mediterranean Shipping Company, and Carnival Corporation.