Putin’s Dilemma
The West's sanctions on Russia are already having a powerful effect, and the expectation that they will be tightened further is a huge concern for investors and the Russian government. And, though some Russians dream of autarky, the need to maintain living standards – the foundation of Putin’s domestic support – rules it out.
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PARIS – Many critics argue that the sanctions imposed on Russia for its actions in Ukraine are ineffective, because they are too limited in scale and scope. Moreover, sanctions are seen as allowing President Vladimir Putin to blame the West for Russia’s internal problems. Indeed, some of Putin’s supporters within Russia welcome the sanctions as a means to compel Russian autarky – and thus strategic independence from the West.