An ongoing wave of violent protests in Peru shows how the Russian invasion of Ukraine is affecting markets around the world, sparking unrest and deepening political divides.
Rising fuel costs originally triggered the protests, which started last week, but quickly intensified into large anti-government demonstrations with marches and road blockades.
"Peru is not going through a good moment," Castillo said Tuesday after leaving a meeting with lawmakers, "but we have to solve it with the powers of the state." But while Peru has been a fertile ground for protests in recent years, this crisis was triggered as a direct consequence of the war in Ukraine.The Russian invasion of Ukraine -- and global leaders' consequential decision to isolate Russia from the world's oil markets -- sent the price of oil soaring.Compared to other countries in the region, such as Argentina or Venezuela, Peru imports most of its oil.
Over the last few days, other organizations and groups joined the protests, with some regions closing schools and resorting to online teaching as a consequence of roadblocks and picket lines.