So many sanctions on Russia. How much impact do they really have?
Associated PressWASHINGTON — So many sanctions. Many of the new sanctions target Russian firms that contribute to the Kremlin’s war effort — everything from drone and industrial chemical manufacturers to machine tool importers. The Group of Seven allies in December 2022 imposed a $60 per barrel price cap on Russian oil, hoping to limit Russia’s revenues from fossil fuels. Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo says the U.S. and its allies will not lower the price cap — “rather what we’ll be doing is taking actions that will increase the cost” of Russia’s production of oil. Eswar Prasad, a Cornell economist, says the latest sanctions are “likely to be of limited potency in stifling Russia’s economy or its war effort.” He said the “escape valve” provided by China, Russia’s ability to maneuver around many of the sanctions and the impasse in Congress over new military aid for Ukraine “have substantially eroded the symbolic and substantive power of such sanctions.” The West still has other options to consider in further punishing Russia.