On the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United States and European Union have imposed a fresh round of sanctions against Russia. These penalties come in response to the death of Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of the Kremlin, who died in an Arctic penal colony. The US imposed approximately 600 sanctions, while the EU added sanctions on foreign companies for exporting goods that could be used in Russia’s war against Ukraine. President Joe Biden pledged that the US will continue to ensure that Putin faces consequences for his aggression abroad and repression at home.
However, it is unclear whether these sanctions will effectively deter Putin, as previous penalties have had limited impact on his actions. In response to Navalny’s death, the US State Department targeted three Russian officials connected to the incident, barring them from traveling to the US and blocking their access to US-owned property. While largely symbolic due to the officials’ lack of ties to the West, the Biden administration has promised further actions related to Navalny’s death.
These new sanctions coincide with House Republicans blocking additional aid to Ukraine, sparking political debates in the US during an election year. Former President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about the NATO alliance and suggested that Russia should have free rein over countries he deemed uncooperative. President Biden urged Congress to pass Ukraine aid and emphasized the historical significance of supporting Ukraine during this critical moment.
The new US sanctions primarily target Russian firms contributing to the Kremlin’s war efforts, including drone and industrial chemical manufacturers, machine tool importers, and financial institutions. Visa restrictions were also imposed on Russian authorities involved in the kidnapping and confinement of Ukrainian children. Furthermore, third-country individuals and firms were sanctioned for assisting Russia in evading financial penalties. In response to the EU’s sanctions, the Russian foreign ministry condemned the actions as illegal and banned some EU citizens from entering Russia for providing military assistance to Ukraine.
Overall, the US Treasury and State departments have targeted over 4,000 individuals, banks, firms, and others with Russia-related sanctions since the start of the war. The EU’s 13th package of measures adds more officials and entities to the sanctions list, including Putin and his associates. The EU specifically focuses on companies involved in the production of electronic components with military applications and imposes tougher export restrictions on these entities. Additionally, a price cap of $60 per barrel has been placed on Russian oil by the Group of Seven allies, aiming to reduce Russia’s fossil fuel revenues.
Critics argue that these measures are not working quickly enough to halt Russia’s invasion. They suggest that sanctioning Russia’s defense industry alone and not significantly impacting its oil revenues will not be sufficient. Some experts call for an oil embargo to be considered. While sanctions play a role, they are not seen as the sole solution to Ukraine’s defense. The US and its allies are urged to provide the necessary support and resources to Ukraine in order to defend its homeland effectively and disprove Putin’s actions.