The EU is about to decide whether to prolong sanctions against Russian individuals. leonidvolkov explains why he believes that they “have not had any significant effect on Vladimir Putin’s ability to continue his criminal war”
“I want those who have encountered the wolfish habits of the West to hear me: trying to run around with your hand outstretched, grovelling, begging for your money, is pointless and, most importantly, useless, especially now that you are well aware of who you are dealing with.
And while some of these sanctions vary in detail, they have one thing in common: they have not had any significant effect on Mr Putin’s ability to continue his criminal war. They have not caused a split within the Russian elite or triggered defections. Instead, they help to consolidate support for the regime and encourage the return of individuals facing sanctions back to Russia where they have poured their energies into saving their businesses.
But we must remember: sanctions are a tool, not an end in themselves. The ultimate goal is not to punish some people—however detestable and unpleasant they may seem—but to weaken Mr Putin’s regime and deprive it of its resources. Consequently a smart sanctions policy should not consolidate Mr Putin’s entourage around him, but isolate him, weaken him and make him toxic.
This is precisely what sanctions should aim to achieve. It would also address one of the main concerns we often hear from officials in Brussels. More people on the sanctions list means more potential court challenges. If there were a sure way to get off the list some of those who might otherwise mount tricky challenges would take it.
Belgique Dernières Nouvelles, Belgique Actualités
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