Why It’s Hard to Impose Sanctions on Russia
March 6, 2014
The U.S. and Europe have threatened to impose sanctions on Russia following its incursion into Ukraine—but the West’s economic ties with Moscow will make it hard to isolate the government of President Vladimir Putin .
Why will sanctions be difficult to impose?
Although President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry talked tough Tuesday in denouncing Russia’s occupation of the Crimean peninsula over the weekend, it is Europe that is right next door. While U.S. trade with and investment in Russia are considered small, Europe’s ties to Russia run much deeper. And while the Continent’s leaders may take a dim view of Russia’s foray into Ukraine, they are probably more willing for diplomatic measures to be exhausted before considering sanctions.