As Western leaders weigh new sanctions against Russia, The Guardian highlights concerns about Moscow’s ability to sustain its war economy. The article examines President Donald Trump’s renewed threats of financial measures and the ongoing debate among U.S. and EU officials over coordinated sanctions. Despite extensive restrictions since 2022, Russia’s economy continues to operate — but experts warn that the underlying picture may be far bleaker than official data reveal.
“Russia’s official economic data are questionable. The situation is worse than it appears. Inflation and deficits are understated, and GDP is overstated. Russia will struggle to maintain the war at its current level by mid-2026,” said Torbjörn Becker, Director of the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE).
The Guardian’s report also explores the limits of current sanctions, loopholes in oil and gas trade, and the role of non-Western intermediaries that help Moscow bypass restrictions. With Trump signaling openness to “major sanctions” if NATO allies follow suit, analysts caution that both political will and global coordination will determine whether future measures can truly pressure Russia’s economy.
To read the full article and Torbjörn Becker’s analysis, visit The Guardian/ CNN Prima News.
Further Reading
Energy exports play a crucial role in Russia’s economy and have long served as a source of geopolitical leverage over dependent countries. Sanctions targeting the energy sector aim to reduce state revenues and diminish Russia’s geopolitical influence. Explore the latest research on sanctions against Russia and its energy industry in the Sanctions Portal Evidence Base section.
For more expert analysis from SITE, visit SITE’s website.
