This portal takes a systematic approach to examining the wide range of sanctions imposed by a broad coalition of countries on Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, in an effort to avoid simplistic conclusions—such as declaring that sanctions either “work” or “don’t work”—and to minimize the risk of self-reinforcing confirmation bias. For each category of sanctions, we aim to highlight:
- the intended objectives and the effects that might reasonably be expected,
- the observable outcomes, both in Russia and in the sanctioning countries,
- the knowledge gaps resulting from limitations in data and methodology, and
- ways to increase effectiveness in achieving the intended goals while minimizing unintended consequences.
Our analysis draws on both original work and high-quality research conducted by others. We limit the selection to studies that meet academic standards of rigor and credibility, and we strive to situate individual findings within a broader framework to provide a coherent and comprehensive picture.
We prioritize sanctions expected to impose substantial economic costs, while also recognizing the significance of symbolic measures. Given the central goal of constraining Russia’s capacity to sustain military operations, our primary focus is on sanctions aimed at limiting the country’s access to financial and material resources that support its war effort.
It is important to stress that, in the context of an authoritarian state engaged in full-scale war, military resources are not confined to conventional defense spending. Rather, the economy as a whole is increasingly redirected to serve military purposes. This means that nearly all forms of income and production can contribute—directly or indirectly—to sustaining the war. As such, effective sanctions must aim to reduce Russian revenues broadly, while avoiding excessive disruption to global markets.
Reducing Russian income requires a multi-pronged strategy. First and foremost are constraints on energy exports. These are vital not only because they generate significant direct revenues, but also because of their central role in Russia’s economic structure. The energy sector underpins fiscal stability and has strong multiplier effects across the broader economy.
The second layer includes the targeted denial of specific components, materials, and technologies essential for weapons production. These measures aim to directly limit Russia’s capacity to manufacture and deploy military hardware, and are crucial to the broader objective of constraining its warfighting capabilities.
A third pillar involves restrictions on other forms of trade—both exports and imports—as well as financial flows. These measures are rooted in core economic principles and can undermine the functioning of the Russian economy by reducing efficiency and limiting access to critical inputs and markets.
Finally, sanctions such as individual designations, travel bans, and airspace restrictions primarily serve symbolic or normative purposes. Yet their indirect effects—through shifts in public opinion, political signaling, and reputational costs—can be significant, both within Russia and internationally. These dimensions should not be underestimated.