Written by Martin Russell,
© Martin Capek / Fotolia
In early 2014, Russia violated international law by annexing Crimea and allegedly fomenting separatist uprisings in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbass. The European Union, the United States and several other Western countries responded with diplomatic measures in March 2014, followed by asset freezes and visa bans targeted at individuals and entities. In July 2014, sanctions targeting the Russian energy, defence and financial sectors were adopted.
These sanctions have not swayed Russian public opinion, which continues to staunchly back the Kremlin’s actions in Ukraine. The diplomatic impact has also been limited, particularly now that …read more