European Sanctions Cannot Dislodge Russia From Ukraine

[Purveyor]

Ever since last Thursday’s crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 galvanized international anger toward Russia, divisions among European countries have appeared to hinder the continent’s ability to react to the crisis. But as ambassadors to 28 European countries gathered in Brussels Thursday to hash out a fresh round of sanctions, internal divisions gave way to a more pertinent concern: whether the sanctions would successfully dislodge Russia from involvement in Ukraine.

The sanctions, which will include additional asset and visa freezes for high-ranking Russian officials and restrictions placed on Russian banks, will be announced in full when the ambassadors conclude their meeting early next week. But according to Alexander Kliment, a Russia expert at Eurasia Group, sanctions will stop short of targeting imports of Russian oil and gas -- the source of 80 percent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

“The Russians could withstand the fiscal impact of sanctions more than the Europeans can withstand the energy shortfall,” Kiment said.

In addition to concerns over their own imports of oil and natural gas, European leaders worry that halting Russian imports would destabilize global oil and gas prices; the country is responsible for about 20 percent of the world’s crude oil supply.

more...

http://www.ibtimes.com/european-sanctions-cannot-dislodge-russia-ukraine-1638606

[jwirr]

1. It is my understanding that the sanctions are targeting Putin's rich supporters. Russia can

withstand the sanctions but can those rich friends??

[Purveyor]

2. These rich friends have had months to plan accordingly in anticipation of

being sanctions. I doubt they will be seriously harmed.

[jwirr]

3. That is true and if they are anything like our rich they have it all stashed away in some island

somewhere.

[geek tragedy]

6. They've already lost billions nt

[dsc]

4. This is largely a European problem

and they are the ones who have to try to solve it. If they won't target Russia to any real extent then no amount of sanctions by us is going to budge them.

[geek tragedy]

5. Long-term Europe can diversify its energy consumption

Russia's economy is less able to diversify, it is a giant gas station with gun shop in the back.

Ukraine will need significant military aid, including technological and intelligence assistance.

The Cold War is definitely back, by Putin's design. The difference is that instead of a bipolar world, Russia is a regional power and a pariah state.

[MisterP]

7. Russian sanctions haven't dislodged the US from Ukraine either ...

[Cali_Democrat]

8. The only way to dislogde Russia from Ukraine...

is to supply the Ukrainians with advanced weapons.