US intensify economic pressures on Russia as its military campaign continues
Recent weeks have marked a significant shift in the US policy towards Russia amid its ongoing military activities in Ukraine.
According to the Financial Times, Washington swiftly responded to the Kremlin’s persistent and escalating combat operations by implementing new sanctions aimed at undermining Russia’s financial and energy sectors.
Notably, the US imposed restrictions on Russia’s largest oil companies — “Rosneft” and “Lukoil” — coupled with recent EU energy sanctions, creating a formidable blow to Moscow’s military-industrial complex.
Experts assess that these measures could reduce the income of a sector generating about a third of Russia’s budget.
The effectiveness of these efforts, however, largely depends on the responses of China and India, as well as Washington’s capacity to counter Russia’s attempts to bypass sanctions via shell companies, fake tankers, and insurers.
In response, the Kremlin is focusing on finding ways to mitigate economic pressure, yet the consequences are already evident in Russia’s stalled growth, rising inflation, and worsening fiscal situation.
Europe has also intensified energy restrictions, banning the import of Russian liquefied natural gas from 2027 and enforcing further sanctions on tankers and companies linked to Russia’s energy industry.
Nevertheless, multilateral efforts and Russia’s counteractions could determine the real impact of these measures long-term.
Analyses suggest that, although sanctions are not capable of instantly collapsing Russia, they are significantly complicating its economic prospects through slower growth, inflation, and fiscal difficulties.
Analysts emphasize that prolonged warfare and economic strain compel Putin to consider the rising costs for Russia, especially if Europe and the US continue their supportive and restrictive measures, reducing Russia’s ability to evade sanctions through intricate schemes.