Why do Russians laugh when they hear about new sanctions?
Two years ago here on Medium, I wrote a post “Why Western countries are once again wrong in their relations with Russia.” In the comments people wrote that the effects of the sanctions would be seen in time. Well, 2 years is enough time to summarize the first results of all sanctions.
Putin’s rating has gone up. Nothing has changed since then. The Russian president’s rating is constantly growing. More and more people now support him and the policies he pursues. Many of his opponents among Russians are gradually becoming his supporters.
You can agree with me or disagree with me, but this is a fact. I see many bloggers, influencers, political scientists, entrepreneurs, who used to be the opposition, now changing their rhetoric towards Putin. Millions of people who were leaving the country in 2022 have gone back.
Sanctions have greatly affected the comfortable life of Russians. I was wrong in my assessment. The sanctions have had little impact on the lives of Russian citizens. Yes, prices have risen. But in which country have they remained at the same level? Many countries had record inflation in 2022–2023.
On the other hand, Russians do not feel much discomfort. People are buying real estate at a record pace. Even the central bank has had to impose restrictions to curb this growth.
Groceries, electronics, cars, clothes — all of these can be easily bought in stores. All the brands that were “ceasing to operate in Russia” and loudly proclaiming this, are still being sold, without restrictions.
Russia’s economy will collapse. Such comments were written under that post. The economy hasn’t collapsed. The economy grew and became fifth in the world and first in Europe. In 2023, the Russian economy overtook the German economy.
Articles in reputable Western media show in figures that the sanctions have had little impact on Russia. And Russians greet news of new sanctions with memes like the one below.
The theory that sanctions have long-term effects can be discussed separately. The US and Europe have been imposing sanctions for decades against different countries. Has it helped to defeat these countries? No, and it won’t.
There’s a famous expression, “If you keep doing the same thing today as you did yesterday, it’s foolish to expect a different result.” Perhaps the Americans and Europeans are impressed by all these statements about 100–500 sanctions.
With all that said, the conclusion that was at the end of the post 2 years ago has not lost its relevance.
