Exactly. These efforts should be in support of all the sanctions and other measures aimed at isolating Russia and convincing it to stop its disruptive behavior. And it also should be aimed at discouraging the regime in Moscow from undertaking further activities that exacerbate this problem.

However, sanctions alone are unlikely to end the conflict in Ukraine and stop Putin's war against Ukraine. It is true that they will hit Russian companies, financial institutions and government institutions hard, but the Russian people will be the most affected, which is unfortunate. Over the longer term, however, the best way to influence the course of events in Ukraine and deter further Russian incursions into other countries in Eastern Europe will be through economic , diplomatic, and information efforts that counter Putin's message that "there is no alternative". Therefore, I think sanctions and boycotts imposed by the rest of the world against Russia are essential.


Yes, they will hit Russian citizens too, of course. They may also be counterproductive, however, as the Russians don't respond well to messages of collective punishment. If the sanctions are sufficiently strong, perhaps Putin will eventually decide it is in his interest to come to the negotiating table and work toward a peace plan.