The latest round of European sanctions against Russia over its actions in Ukraine can cause severe disruptions in the Russian economy in the long term. Essentially, President Putin is faced with two choices:
Continue along the chosen path, bolster his popularity at home and risk greater international isolation; or bow down to the sanctions and improve his international standing, but risk his domestic popularity.
Mexican newspaper REFORMA interviewed Sijbren de Jong on the effects that the latest round of sanctions would have on Russia’s strategy. The full article can be read here.