Russia has been feeling the sting of Western sanctions that aim to stifle its economy, but the war in Ukraine that sparked those repercussions still rages at year’s end.
Missiles are falling on Ukrainian cities, soldiers are fighting and the death toll continues to mount.
Critics may point to the continuing conflict as proof sanctions have failed. But experts say these measures serve to maintain pressure on Moscow, and they still serve a purpose even though Russia hasn’t withdrawn its forces.
“I don’t think that sanctions are going to necessarily force Russia to negotiate,” said Alexander Lanoszka, an assistant professor of international relations at the University of Waterloo in southwestern Ontario.
Former Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev, the current deputy chairman of Russia’s security council, is seen touring Uralvagonzavod, a tank factory in Nizhny Tagil, Russia, in October. (Sputnik/AFP/Getty Images)
However, Lanoszka said the…
