The invasion of the Ukraine by Russia is sending a ripple effect through
out Eastern Europe. With the prospects now for possible cold war
starting all over again investors brace for sanctions against Russia.
And with the already falling economy of the Ukraine, investors and
business are bailing out as fast as they can.


During the next few years, the  Ukraine economy will be pushed to its
limits. Currently, the Ukraine desperately needs 30 billion in loans to
survive, and with ousted former president Viktor Yanukovich having
already pulled the country out from the European Union, and the new
government wanting nothing to do with Russia, the government will be in
dire straits.


The US State department has issued a travel warning urging Americans not
to travel to the Ukraine. Tourism is a huge part of Ukraine economy.
with hotels, airlines and restaurants depending on tourism. As these
businesses cut back, the ripple effect in cities like Kiev, Odessa and
Yalta will have devastating consequences on the economy. Just as when
the housing market died in the US, the effects were felt world wide. Not
only will Ukraine's economy continue to decline, but most of Western
Europe's fragile economy will also feel the effects.


One industry that seems to thrive on the situation is the foreign bride
market, A Foreign Affair operates four office in the Ukraine. Kenneth
Agee the marketing director says, "In the last few weeks we have seen
the biggest surge ever on women signing up. Not only have we seen the
biggest surge, but we have seen the highest quality of women signing up;
doctors, engineers, even some of Ukraine's most beautiful models, With
the possibility of war looming over the horizon, American men are
looking very desirable." A Foreign Affair 's new member Irina of Kiev
says, "America is stable, American men have very good family values.
These are important to Ukraine women; we want a good environment to
raise our families. With Russian tanks rolling down our streets, I do
not see a bright future here for starting a family.


The future does not look good for the Ukraine. Russia has no intention
of letting Ukraine have complete independence. Most western Ukrainians
have had a strong dislike for Russia for many generations, and will do
what ever it takes to resist Russian influence or occupation. This being
said, the country will have a long battle and many lines drawn in the
sand, from serious economic sanctions to full out war. At this time, it
looks like this struggle could go on for a decade or more.