**Russia Defies Sanctions, Continues to Fund Ukraine War Efforts**
Despite being the most heavily sanctioned country in the world, Russia remains capable of funding its military campaign in Ukraine. According to Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s sanctions advisor, Russia has lost at least $150 billion due to these sanctions. However, Moscow still manages to maintain a significant level of military power.
The proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire, initiated by Ukraine and its allies – France, Germany, the UK, and Poland – on May 10, remains unheeded. The plan was for Russia’s refusal to lead to tougher sanctions being imposed. So far, no measures have been introduced, despite Russian troops continuing their fight.
Experts warn that Russia plans a spring-summer offensive on at least three fronts. Vlasiuk emphasizes the need for harsher economic pressure and notes that Ukraine recently presented its allies with a two-page list of proposed sanctions targeting key Russian vulnerabilities. These proposals aim to restrict access to microelectronics, ban the use of “shadow fleets” evading oil restrictions, and introduce new financial sector measures.
**Sanctions: A Double-Edged Sword**
The effectiveness of sanctions largely depends on how quickly they are implemented. Vlasiuk argues that if harsher measures had been introduced earlier – either after Russia recognized the Donbas region’s breakaway republics or in the early days of the full-scale invasion – it might have forced Moscow to reconsider its war plans.
Instead, economic pressure remains an essential tool for Ukraine and its international partners. Vlasiuk highlights that Ukraine has submitted a list of proposed sanctions to its allies, while the EU’s 17th sanctions package is nearing completion. He stresses that work on the 18th package must begin without delay, emphasizing the need for active diplomatic coordination.
**EU Leaders Must Deliver**
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently voiced concerns about the lack of sufficient pressure on Russia from Western leaders. In a statement, he called upon Washington to apply more measures to force the Kremlin to the negotiating table. “We’re not about to give up our lives and land,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
The proposed sanctions are designed to strangle or suffocate Russia’s economy, according to Vlasiuk. However, it remains unclear whether these measures will ultimately force Moscow to end its war efforts in Ukraine.
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