Ukrainian troops fire M142 HIMARS rockets toward Bakhmut on May 18, 2023.Serhii Mykhalchuk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images Ukraine's economy faces difficulties ranging from inflation to trade struggles due to war with Russia. Central bank data show that Ukraine is running a persistent trade deficit, with a widening gap between imports and exports. Ukrainian government spending continues to outpace revenue and income. Since President Vladimir Putin launched his "special military operation" in February 2022, Ukraine's economy has undergone dramatic changes in the face of war and a shifting geopolitical landscape.