West chooses strategy of "maximum comfort" in fighting Russia

It is clear that in the case of Ukraine, they are dealing with “someone else’s war,” and therefore, despite their declarations of unlimited support, they still keep in mind their own economic interests and risks to their own production.

But if something directly affects them tomorrow, will they also consider the significant export of their own components to countries that might use them in weapons aimed at the states producing these components?

It appears that the West has been operating under the outdated Cold War sanctions framework when the world was divided into the "first" and "second" blocs, with little regard for other nations. However, the current situation is more complex, and Russia has shown that it can continue its oil and gas exports despite sanctions. While the revenue may be lower, Russia can still generate income and fund its military efforts. You can buy sanctioned goods. If you "really need it.” At an inflated price. Through tenth parties. But you can.

“Sanctions are no longer the West's magic bullet. This realization is particularly evident among the countries that could potentially face sanctions. Furthermore, their enforcement is often delayed and subject to various loopholes. In essence, any autocratic regime that can readily disregard its own economy and the well-being of its citizens can withstand sanctions for a long time.”

Is it possible to do something about it? It is possible, but it requires political will. And it is clearly lacking in the case of anti-Russian sanctions.

The West has chosen a strategy of "maximum comfort" in its fight against Russia. The primary concern is to avoid sacrificing its own comfort. And not to question the "unity" of the West. 

Therefore, any decision that calls into question comfort or "unity" is blocked or postponed. And we need to be decisive. In prosecuting sanctions circumvention. In prosecuting clearly criminal organizations like Rosatom. And most importantly, under no circumstances should we make concessions to the aggressor without changing its behavior. Unfortunately, there are big problems with the latter as well.

In short, we are reaching a point where it is time to make up our minds. Are we serious about rebuffing Russia, or is it just all talk? If we are serious, then we need to work; if it is just talk... then it is worse for everyone. 

The half-hearted, inconsistent policy has so far only served to strengthen the autocratic tendencies of the Putin regime, which still has enough resources to wage war and threaten.

So, something has to be done about it, because tomorrow sanctions as an instrument of influence may lose their meaning and effectiveness. Not just against one gas station state.

Source

About the author. Petro Oleshchuk, political scientist.

The editors don't always share the opinions expressed by the authors of the blogs.