US and European Union sanctions against Russia are not just economic measures, but a clear political signal of responsibility for the war in Ukraine. This was stated in the program “Face to Face“ Elena Poptodorova, an expert on international politics.
“These sanctions by President Trump against Russia and personally against President Putin are warning and strictly political“, said Poptodorova.
“For the first time, we have an official American position on who is to blame for the war and who is responsible for its continuation. US Treasury Secretary Scott B. Saint clearly states that the sanctions are being imposed in light of Putin's refusal to end this senseless war,“ she further explained.
According to her, the effect of the sanctions will not be immediate:
„Yes, it is true that there is no such revolutionary effect. Sanctions are an economic instrument with a delayed effect. The fact is that the Russian economy is not in good shape - almost half of the regions in Russia suffer from an acute shortage of gasoline. This is an instrument that has a long-term effect.“
Poptodorova also emphasized the political logic behind the US administration's actions:
„The administration should not think that it will solve the issue with one explosive blow. This is a consistent, long-term policy. Sanctions depend on Putin's willingness to sit at the negotiating table. They are not for meaningless talks, as Trump said, postponing the meeting in Budapest.“
Poptodorova also pointed out that the sanctions cannot be effective without coordination with Europe and support for Ukraine:
„This is not an independent act. It must be coordinated with the EU. Nothing will happen if there is no military aid to Ukraine. A final peace can only be achieved if Trump, together with the allies, provides weapons that will prevent further military steps.“
Poptodorova also commented on the reactions of the Russian side:
„Russia calls the sanctions temporary, but this depends on Putin's readiness to accept the ceasefire proposal. There are no signs of a change in Moscow's demands.“