Russia-Ukraine War's Global Supply Chain Impact: Key Findings

A comprehensive systematic literature review published by Frontiers examines the multifaceted impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on global supply chains. The conflict has created widespread disruptions across multiple industries and regions, affecting the flow of critical commodities including energy resources, agricultural products, and industrial materials. The research synthesizes peer-reviewed findings to establish the war's structural effects on international trade, logistics networks, and procurement strategies.

For supply chain professionals, this literature review is essential reading because it documents how geopolitical shocks propagate across interconnected global networks. Russia and Ukraine collectively represent irreplaceable sources of critical inputs—from neon gas semiconductors to fertilizers and fossil fuels—making disruptions to these supply sources felt worldwide. Organizations must reassess vulnerability in their sourcing strategies, particularly for single-source or dual-source dependencies on Eastern European suppliers.

The systematic approach taken by the authors provides an evidence-based foundation for risk management decisions. Supply chain teams should use these findings to inform diversification strategies, supplier redundancy planning, and geopolitical risk assessments. The research underscores that wars are not localized events but rather systemic shocks that require holistic supply chain reconfiguration, inventory policy adjustments, and long-term strategic hedging against geopolitical volatility.