News analysis

Ukraine has become an elections wild card for some countries

From the US to France, the Philippines and Australia, the war will weigh on voters' minds

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Unless a country is at war or under threat, foreign policy is normally low on the priorities of voters - but from Manila to Maine and from Melbourne to Tokyo, the war in Ukraine has become a wild card.

The most obvious common factor is inflation, driven by high oil and food prices. Much of that will be felt most intensely in Europe; Ukraine is the breadbasket of Europe and Russia its gas station.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 14, 2022, with the headline Ukraine has become an elections wild card for some countries. Subscribe