Ukrainian political expert: Russia strengthens its power thanks to sanctions
Former Supreme Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) deputy, political expert Evgeni Philindash commented that Russia strengthened its power thanks to Western sanctions.
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| Moscow is still standing strong after four years of Western sanctions over its annexation of Crimea. Photo: Sputnik |
Speaking on NewsOne TV channel, Mr. Philindash recalled that in 2014, when the West first imposed sanctions on Russia, many people thought that the country would "die, disintegrate, and its economy would collapse."
"After four years, everyone understands that sanctions only help Russia strengthen its power," said the Ukrainian political expert.
According to him, the sanctions only affect the "top tier of Russian oligarchs". However, he said, Western sanctions have led to the substitution of imported goods for domestic ones and have helped develop some "strategically important" sectors in Russia.
