# Russia the Disruptor

> Russia's war in Ukraine reshapes global order as Moscow pivots from the West.
- Title: Russia the Disruptor · Foreign Policy | Shortify
- Summary: Russia's war in Ukraine reshapes global order as Moscow pivots from the West. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has triggered a global realignment, with Moscow…
- Keywords: russia, ukraine, nato, sanctions, putin, military conflict, global alliances, west, Disruptor, Foreign Policy
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/10/30/russia-war-ukraine-books-us-history-kinzer-haslam-notte
- Author: Laura Mills
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: russia, ukraine, nato, sanctions, putin, military conflict, global alliances, west
## Russia's War in Ukraine
Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, marking a major shift in global power dynamics.
## Historical Context
The Cold War ended in 1991, leaving Russia vulnerable to Western expansion and NATO enlargement.
## NATO Expansion
NATO expanded from 12 to 32 members between 1999 and 2004, increasing tensions with Russia.
## U.S. Policy Shifts
The U.S. prioritized NATO expansion and democratization in Eastern Europe, alienating Russia.
## Economic Impact
Russia's economy suffered from the 1998 stock market crash and subsequent economic reforms.
## Putin's Early Years
Putin offered intelligence assistance to the U.S. after 9/11 but was ignored by Washington.
## U.S. Intervention in Iraq
The U.S. pushed for regime change in Iraq, further straining relations with Russia.
## Russia's Pivot
Russia built a shadow fleet to evade oil price caps and increased trade with China and Turkey.
## Global Alliances
Russia strengthened ties with North Korea and Iran for military supplies and drone technology.
## Sanctions Evasion
Russia decoupled its economy from the U.S. dollar, increasing reliance on the yuan.
## Military Consequences
Approximately 1 million soldiers are estimated to have been injured or killed in the war.
## Global South Support
Many Asian and African countries have aligned with Russia at the UN against Western pressure.
## U.S. Political Instability
Trump's actions in Iran and Ukraine have undermined Western unity and stability.
## Long-Term Implications
The war has created a more fragmented and unstable global order with Russia as a disruptive force.
## Conclusion
Russia's actions have reshaped global power dynamics, with the West struggling to adapt to a more chaotic world.
## Key takeaway

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has triggered a global realignment, with Moscow leveraging non-Western alliances to evade sanctions while the West struggles to adapt.