Interfering with Russia’s oil and gas exports would hit Russia properly, but would also be costly for the West, writes ‘s foreign journalist Mika Mäkeläinen.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine requires a strong response, but what kind? Despite sanctions, Western countries are reluctant to retaliate.
Economic sanctions and the use of force in response are extreme options, either too weak or too strong.
The Reich therefore suggests that sanctions should be imposed on Russian oil and gas exports. It would strike Russia properly, but it would also be costly for the West. A rise in the price of a petrol and heating bill would heat up voters ’feelings.
However, it could be a much-needed middle ground between conventional economic sanctions and the use of force.
There are other options. Perhaps the spectrum of sanctions has not been fully thought out, or sufficient legal bases for effective sanctions have not yet been established.
The latter shortcoming can be remedied by legislators, as there is now a need for Western countries to severely punish Russia without resorting to the use of force.
Lucas would deny broadcasting Russian television propaganda in the West. In Estonia, Russian propaganda channels were shelved even before the Russian invasion began.
According to ‘s information, Telia is now considering what should be done for the Russian state propaganda channel RT, which at least Telia and Elisa broadcast to Finns.
Lucas would take Western visas from everyone From high-ranking Russian officials and their families and business associates – everyone with the slightest connection to the Kremlin, not just the richest oligarchs.
A beach holiday in the Mediterranean and shopping in Paris would end. The offspring of offspring would change from the top universities in the West to Moscow. In addition, all their assets in the West would be frozen.
All companies affiliated with the Kremlin could be delisted from Western stock exchanges. Doing business with them would be banned.
There is room for choice in fine-tuning: The oligarchs have their own planes, but what if they are no longer allowed to land in the West? And their ecu yachts would not be allowed into any port?
How long would the rich in Russia tolerate Putin if they were deprived of visas, secret bank accounts, children’s study places in the West, Riviera mansions and Saimaa log castles?
The host of the Kremlin is not a completely authoritarian sun king. He needs the support of the rich in Russia.
This analysis is the second in a series that News continues during the Russian invasion. We aim to publish a brief but in-depth and in-depth analysis every day at around 12 noon.
You can discuss this topic until Saturday, February 26 at 11 p.m.