Sanctions on Russia and economic aid behind the scenes: Western countries' double standards exposed!

Moscow/Brussels: The war between Russia and Ukraine that began in February 2022 has shaken global geopolitics. Western countries—the US, the European Union (EU), and the UK—have imposed tough economic sanctions on Russia to weaken its war machinery. But surprisingly, these countries are also indirectly supporting Russia's economy. Purchase of Russian oil and gas, operation of shadow fleet, and trade vulnerabilities expose this double game. Let's understand with facts how this is happening.

Sanctions tighten: Economic pressure on Russia

After the attack on Ukraine, Western countries have imposed the most comprehensive sanctions ever on Russia. On 20 May 2025, the EU and the UK imposed a 17th sanctions package on Russia's shadow fleet—a secret network of oil tankers—and financial institutions, aimed at limiting Russia's oil revenues. The G7 countries capped the price of Russian oil at $60 per barrel to reduce Russia's revenues.

The US froze $300 billion of assets of the Russian central bank and removed Russian banks from the SWIFT system. Russia's energy revenues fell by 40% in 2022–23, and GDP fell by 2.5–3% annually. These sanctions also affected Russia's military supplies, as a shortage of microchips and other technical equipment affected Russian weapons production.

Behind the scenes help: Russia's economic strength

Despite the sanctions, Russia's economy has shown resilience, and the indirect role of Western countries is clearly visible:

• Purchasing Russian oil and gas: Although the EU has set a roadmap to end Russian gas imports by 2027, Europe imported 15% of its gas and oil from Russia in 2024. Countries like Hungary, Slovakia, and the Netherlands are dependent on Russian energy as their energy infrastructure is still based on Soviet-era pipelines. Russia continued to export oil through a shadow fleet, which the Western countries have not been able to completely stop.
• India and China's contribution: Russia increased the supply of cheap oil to countries like India and China. In 2023, India imported $60 billion worth of oil from Russia, which was refined and sold to Europe. This indirectly supports Russia economically, as Western countries buy these refined products.
• Weak sanctions enforcement: Western countries imposed sanctions on insurance and shipping of Russian oil tankers, but Russia started using non-Western insurance companies and ports. Russia's oil exports to India reached 16.35 million tons in 2022, surpassing Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Why the double standard of Western countries?

This policy of Western countries is driven by several factors:

• Fear of energy crisis: Energy prices in Europe are set to reach $90 per barrel in 2024. Stopping the supply of Russian gas and oil poses a risk of economic instability in Europe.
• Economic interests: Many Western companies are maintaining their investments in Russia, as the cost of moving out is too high. For example, companies like McDonald's and Levi's are paying employees in Russia even though their operations are closed.
• Diplomatic strategy: US President Donald Trump has prioritized ceasefire talks with Russia, and has hinted at easing sanctions. This gives Russia economic relief, as Western countries want to avoid a full-blown confrontation with Russia.

Russia's counter strategy

Russia has taken several steps to counter the sanctions:

• Alternative trade: Russia projects $240 billion in trade with China in 2023 and $66 billion with India, dominated by oil and arms.
• Shadow fleet: Russia maintained oil exports using old tankers and non-Western insurance companies.
• Economic stability: Russia increased gold reserves and trade in yuan to stabilize the ruble. Russia's current account remained in surplus in 2022, and the ruble strengthened to its strongest in seven years.

India's role and global influence

India has described the purchase of cheap oil from Russia as a national interest, which was criticized by Western countries. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said, "We will buy oil from where it is cheaper." India also purchased weapons such as the S-400 missile system and the AK-203 rifle from Russia, which boosted Russia's economy.

The policy of Western countries has also affected Ukraine. The US gave Ukraine $69.2 billion in aid, but Russia's oil income weakens it. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has demanded more stringent sanctions from the West.

Conclusion

Western countries want to weaken Russia's war capability by imposing sanctions on it, but Russia is also getting indirect help due to its energy dependence and economic interests. Russia has kept its economy stable by taking advantage of this dual attitude. This situation reflects a complex balance in the global energy market and geopolitics. Will Western countries change their policy, or will Russia maintain its strength like this? This question remains the center of discussion on the global stage.