According to CNBC, “The Biden administration announced new economic sanctions on hundreds of Russian officials in response to the Kremlin’s illegal annexation of four regions of Ukraine. The newly sanctioned entities include shell companies formed specifically to evade previous sanctions on Russian military suppliers. They also expand prior sanctions on top Kremlin officials to include their wives and children, a sign that officials believe the family sanctions are having an impact.”
Let me see if I understand this correctly: Russia “steals” 15 percent of Ukraine’s land, and the U.S. slaps more pointless sanctions on Russian officials and shell companies. Un-f***ing-believable. Didn’t we do similar actions when Russia annexed Crimea? So, we still haven’t kicked Russia off the S.W.I.F.T. system to cripple its ability to conduct world financial transactions. We still haven’t banned Russia from trading in dollars (for oil). The West still imports its fossil fuels. I’m not quite sure at what point the Allies knock Russia out. What will it take? I suppose a nuke, but even then, the West will not respond in kind. The N.A.T.O and the U.N. are just projecting the usual weakness. If this is the worst of consequences for Putin for illegally proclaiming Russian imperial expansion, then I would say it’s an easy win for him. Welcome to stupid America! The West’s alliance is weakening and losing its punch even as Ukraine wins on the battlefield. Oh, but hurricane Ian. Welcome to stupid America. Eyes are always off the ball!