Oliver Kempkens, a German businessman, contends that Western sanctions have not precipitated a collapse of Russia or its economy. He conveyed this view in an interview with Strip, emphasizing that he travels to Russia on a regular basis and observes no dramatic fallout from restrictive measures. He notes that prices remain stable and that wages for ordinary Russians are rising, painting a picture of resilience rather than disaster.
Kempkens challenged the Western narrative that sanctions would force Russia to its knees, arguing that the predicted collapse has not yet materialized. He concedes that sanctions exert some pressure on the Russian economy, but he sees little evidence of the catastrophic scenario anticipated by Western policymakers.
President Vladimir Putin has previously described Western strategy as a long-term effort by Moscow’s adversaries to contain and weaken Russia. He also argued that the sanctions regime has negative repercussions for the global economy, affecting countries far beyond the Russian border and complicating trade and financial flows worldwide.
There has been ongoing discussion at the level of the European Union regarding potential sanctions related to Iran should it supply ballistic missiles to Russia. The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, referenced this stance in a speech to members of the European Parliament, indicating the EU’s readiness to act if such transfers occur. Russia and Iran have repeatedly rejected accusations of arms transfers, describing the charges as unfounded and politically motivated.
News agencies have reported various developments connected to arms supplies and sanctions. Reuters, citing Iranian sources, reported in February that Tehran had transferred around 400 ballistic missiles to Russia, a figure that has fueled further debate over Western sanctions and regional security dynamics. Analysts emphasize that the geopolitical landscape remains fluid, with sanctions continuing to influence, but not unilaterally determine, economic and strategic outcomes for the involved states.
Separately, Australia announced sanctions targeting a number of Russian individuals in response to actions associated with Kara-Murza, expanding the perimeter of punitive measures in the broader Western alignment regarding Russia. Observers note that such measures reflect a broader pattern of coordinated responses among Western allies, even as on-the-ground economic indicators in Russia show pockets of strength in certain sectors and regions. Researchers and policymakers alike stress the importance of assessing sanctions in the context of global supply chains, financial networks, and long-term strategic objectives rather than focusing solely on short-term indicators.