Even in wealthy nations far from the front lines, the war is deepening existing economic pain. In Australia, a nationwide survey shows growing alarm over cost-of-living pressures that were already severe before the conflict began. “Poverty was worrying us before the Iran War made it even worse,” the Sydney Morning Herald reported, noting that the country’s poorest are bearing the heaviest burden.
Greece, already grappling with inflation, has reintroduced a “Fuel Pass” program offering up to €60 in fuel subsidies to eligible citizens — a measure that speaks to the desperation of households squeezed by energy costs.
Meanwhile, the Ukraine war grinds on in parallel. Russian strikes hit Naftogaz gas installations in Ukraine’s Sumy region, causing “significant damage” and further straining European energy supply chains already under unprecedented pressure.
