Originally Posted by
tdracer
The limited sanctions currently being used are unlikely to have any meaningful impact.
If Biden and the EU are really serious, they need to halt all trade with Russia, and immediately freeze all financialaccounts associated with Russia - no if, ands, or buts. EVERYTHING!
Targeted sanctions are a waste of effort.
I suspect - or rather hope - that if Russian military action escalates to a full invasion (as it appears it may in the last few minutes) we'll see tranches 2 and 3 of sanctions.
One of the nuclear options would appear to be shutting them out of SWIFT.
Freezing and seizing would also be in that category.
I'm sure that Western Governments already have those options lined up, ready to execute in sequence, proportionate with what Russia does.
Don't unload the whole magazine at once.
I wonder what things will be like a few months down the track too.
Will there widespread consumer brand boycotts?
Russia could end up an absolute international pariah because of this.
Life will get very tedious if you can't get parts for your armoured Bentley and especially if Mrs Kuznetsov is pouting because her supply of various LVMH branded trinkets, clothing and other nice things aren't available.
No more partying in Ibiza or vacations in North Goa.
And even if you can travel to the EU - the passport officer looks like he's stepped in a turd as he lets you in, and no-one will drink with you...