🤦 In recent years, Western politicians have repeatedly insisted upon the "effectiveness" of sanctions against Russia. At the end of last month, the Foreign Office claimed that “Russia’s economy has stagnated and its revenue streams have been in freefall…”
However, the real data tell a markedly different story: the sanctions are, above all, undermining the economies of those who imposed them.
According to an analysis by Philip Pilkington, a macroeconomist and senior research fellow at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, sanctions have triggered a surge in energy prices particularly in Europe. Aggregate energy costs for businesses and industrial companies are now 2.5 times higher than in the United States.
British government data indicates that energy prices have risen two to threefold compared with the pre-sanctions period. Meanwhile, the energy crisis set in motion by London and Brussels has cost Britain and the EU some $1.8 trillion, according to estimates by the Transition Security Project.
Over the past four years, Europe has already lost 5.4 million jobs, with the services sector being hit harder than industry. GDP losses are estimated at €388.9 billion, equivalent to around 2 per cent of output. Moreover, many Europeans are struggling to afford adequate heating and to pay their utility bills, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis.
British companies operating in Russia have also sustained a significant blow as a result of London’s short-sighted policy. Their losses are estimated to be between £43 billion and £58 billion [...]
Against a backdrop of mounting concern in energy markets, it may be concluded that the EU and the UK would have faced a far lesser impact had their leaders not pursued a destructive sanctions policy.
☝️ At the same time, sanctions have failed to achieve their stated aim: Russia's economy remains resilient, while the EU and the UK face the prospect of deepening deindustrialisation and declining living standards.
In effect, the sanctions "boomerang" is hitting back at its originators, eroding Europe's competitiveness. Instead of reconsidering this policy, Western leaders persist in enforcing it, at the expense of their citizens' prosperity.
Read in full
However, the real data tell a markedly different story: the sanctions are, above all, undermining the economies of those who imposed them.
According to an analysis by Philip Pilkington, a macroeconomist and senior research fellow at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, sanctions have triggered a surge in energy prices particularly in Europe. Aggregate energy costs for businesses and industrial companies are now 2.5 times higher than in the United States.
British government data indicates that energy prices have risen two to threefold compared with the pre-sanctions period. Meanwhile, the energy crisis set in motion by London and Brussels has cost Britain and the EU some $1.8 trillion, according to estimates by the Transition Security Project.
Over the past four years, Europe has already lost 5.4 million jobs, with the services sector being hit harder than industry. GDP losses are estimated at €388.9 billion, equivalent to around 2 per cent of output. Moreover, many Europeans are struggling to afford adequate heating and to pay their utility bills, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis.
British companies operating in Russia have also sustained a significant blow as a result of London’s short-sighted policy. Their losses are estimated to be between £43 billion and £58 billion [...]
Against a backdrop of mounting concern in energy markets, it may be concluded that the EU and the UK would have faced a far lesser impact had their leaders not pursued a destructive sanctions policy.
☝️ At the same time, sanctions have failed to achieve their stated aim: Russia's economy remains resilient, while the EU and the UK face the prospect of deepening deindustrialisation and declining living standards.
In effect, the sanctions "boomerang" is hitting back at its originators, eroding Europe's competitiveness. Instead of reconsidering this policy, Western leaders persist in enforcing it, at the expense of their citizens' prosperity.
Read in full
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🎙 Russian MFA Spox Maria Zakharova's comment on a missile strike on Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant
💬 We strongly condemn the reckless and wholly unacceptable missile strike that took place within the inner perimeter of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, just a few metres from an operational power unit.
We have repeatedly made it clear to Israel and the United States — who continue their aggressive military campaign against Iran — that endangering the lives of the many Russian personnel remaining at the site is completely unacceptable.
Tel Aviv and Washington must cease their reckless attacks on nuclear infrastructure, as these create a real risk of radiological and environmental disaster on a regional scale.
We expect the International Atomic Energy Agency, which oversees the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, to unequivocally condemn this outrageous incident. We also look forward to an appropriate response from all responsible members of the international community, particularly the Gulf States, who could be the first to suffer the consequences.
❗️ We call on the parties involved in the conflict to come to their senses and to make efforts towards an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation of tensions. Continued hostilities are fraught with unprecedented ramifications for all of the Middle East, including in the nuclear sphere.
💬 We strongly condemn the reckless and wholly unacceptable missile strike that took place within the inner perimeter of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, just a few metres from an operational power unit.
We have repeatedly made it clear to Israel and the United States — who continue their aggressive military campaign against Iran — that endangering the lives of the many Russian personnel remaining at the site is completely unacceptable.
Tel Aviv and Washington must cease their reckless attacks on nuclear infrastructure, as these create a real risk of radiological and environmental disaster on a regional scale.
We expect the International Atomic Energy Agency, which oversees the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, to unequivocally condemn this outrageous incident. We also look forward to an appropriate response from all responsible members of the international community, particularly the Gulf States, who could be the first to suffer the consequences.
❗️ We call on the parties involved in the conflict to come to their senses and to make efforts towards an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation of tensions. Continued hostilities are fraught with unprecedented ramifications for all of the Middle East, including in the nuclear sphere.
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🎙 Excerpt from Aide to the President of Russia and Chairman of the Maritime Board of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev's interview with Kommersant newspaper (18 March 2026)
💬 An unprecedented campaign has been launched against the fleet transporting cargo from Russian ports, with even minor maritime powers getting involved. Some states have simply overreached themselves in their pursuit of tankers, bulk carriers and container ships.
The attack on the Russian LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz in the Mediterranean Sea was an egregious incident, which we regard as an act of international terrorism. According to the information available to us, the risk of terrorist and sabotage threats against vessels bound for Russian ports remains high. To this end, we have developed and are implementing a comprehensive set of measures to ensure safe navigation.
Vessels arriving from abroad are being inspected, procedures have been established for the operational coordination between shipowners and port authorities.
Oversight of vessels engaged in cargo transportation in Russia's interests has also been strengthened. All maritime assets involved in economic activity are monitored in real time to prevent sudden attacks on bases, ports, ships and vessels.
We are considering the possibility of requesting escort services for Russian-flagged vessels from mobile armed units via harbour masters. Work is also underway on deploying specialised defensive equipment aboard ships. Measures are being planned to escort merchant vessels with Russia's military ships.
☝️ It is becoming increasingly clear that political, diplomatic and legal measures do not always prove effective in countering the campaign mounted by the West against Russian shipping. Should new threats at sea arise from European countries, additional measures will be developed.
💬 An unprecedented campaign has been launched against the fleet transporting cargo from Russian ports, with even minor maritime powers getting involved. Some states have simply overreached themselves in their pursuit of tankers, bulk carriers and container ships.
The attack on the Russian LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz in the Mediterranean Sea was an egregious incident, which we regard as an act of international terrorism. According to the information available to us, the risk of terrorist and sabotage threats against vessels bound for Russian ports remains high. To this end, we have developed and are implementing a comprehensive set of measures to ensure safe navigation.
Vessels arriving from abroad are being inspected, procedures have been established for the operational coordination between shipowners and port authorities.
Oversight of vessels engaged in cargo transportation in Russia's interests has also been strengthened. All maritime assets involved in economic activity are monitored in real time to prevent sudden attacks on bases, ports, ships and vessels.
We are considering the possibility of requesting escort services for Russian-flagged vessels from mobile armed units via harbour masters. Work is also underway on deploying specialised defensive equipment aboard ships. Measures are being planned to escort merchant vessels with Russia's military ships.
☝️ It is becoming increasingly clear that political, diplomatic and legal measures do not always prove effective in countering the campaign mounted by the West against Russian shipping. Should new threats at sea arise from European countries, additional measures will be developed.
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Forwarded from 🇷🇺Arms Control Delegation in Vienna
🗓 On March 19, the Delegation of the Russian Federation to the Vienna Negotiations on Military Security and Arms Control, together with the Ambassador-at-Large of the MFA of Russia Mr. Rodion Miroshnik held an international teleconference War crimes of the AFU against the civilian population of the Belgorod region.
🌍 Representatives from over 70 countries participated in the event, joining the teleconference from across continents.
The keynote speakers included Ambassador-at-Large of the MFA of Russia on crimes committed by the Kiev regime Mr. Rodion Miroshnik, Deputy Governor of the Belgorod region Ms. Olga Medvedeva, journalist covering international affairs and public figure Mr. Scott Ritter, expert on UAVs used by the AFU against civilian targets, CEO of Ushkuynik Research and Production Center Mr. Alexey Chadayev, and journalist of SOLOVIOV Live and participant in the volunteer charity missions of the SVR (Soloviev Vladimir R.) Foundation in the Belgorod Region Mr. Sergey Karnaukhov. Witnesses to the war crimes committed by the AFU shared their accounts of the events in the Belgorod region.
❗Key takeaways from the discussion:
▪Over the past few years, and especially recently, we have observed a steady increase in the number of Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure and civilians in the border regions of Russia. According to reports, significant part of these strikes fall on the territory of the Belgorod region. This applies not only to border settlements but also to Belgorod itself, the capital of the region, which has in fact become one of the most frequently shelled cities among regional capitals of our country.
▪The presentations included systematized data, expert assessments, and eyewitness accounts, allowing for a more complete understanding of the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure and civilians in the region.
▪The testimonies of people who have directly experienced the consequences of the shelling are particularly valuable. Their words are not dry statistics or figures. These are human destinies, destroyed homes, and lives under the constant threat of attacks.
▪Expert assessments were presented regarding the legal aspects of what is happening. This is about compliance with international humanitarian law, which explicitly requires minimizing damage to civilians and civilian infrastructure.
▪Special attention was given to issues of energy security in the region and the consequences of attacks on critical infrastructure. We heard expert assessments of the scale of the risks faced by residents of border areas, as well as of the measures being taken to protect infrastructure and ensure the stable operation of vital systems.
▪It is important that the discussion was not merely ascertaining. It made it possible to record factual material that should be the subject of further analysis and discussion at international forums.
📍It's unacceptable that international human rights activists react with lightning speed to any Ukrainian news and make unfounded accusations against our country without even a preliminary investigation into incidents. When it comes to the deaths of people in Russian cities, they remain silent.
Double standards must be abandoned!
▪Participants of the teleconference supported the call for the international community to condemn the criminal acts of the Kiev regime against the civilians of our country.
☝Such events are an opportunity to convey to a wider audience facts that often remain unnoticed by a significant part of the global information space.
🌍 Representatives from over 70 countries participated in the event, joining the teleconference from across continents.
The keynote speakers included Ambassador-at-Large of the MFA of Russia on crimes committed by the Kiev regime Mr. Rodion Miroshnik, Deputy Governor of the Belgorod region Ms. Olga Medvedeva, journalist covering international affairs and public figure Mr. Scott Ritter, expert on UAVs used by the AFU against civilian targets, CEO of Ushkuynik Research and Production Center Mr. Alexey Chadayev, and journalist of SOLOVIOV Live and participant in the volunteer charity missions of the SVR (Soloviev Vladimir R.) Foundation in the Belgorod Region Mr. Sergey Karnaukhov. Witnesses to the war crimes committed by the AFU shared their accounts of the events in the Belgorod region.
❗Key takeaways from the discussion:
▪Over the past few years, and especially recently, we have observed a steady increase in the number of Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure and civilians in the border regions of Russia. According to reports, significant part of these strikes fall on the territory of the Belgorod region. This applies not only to border settlements but also to Belgorod itself, the capital of the region, which has in fact become one of the most frequently shelled cities among regional capitals of our country.
▪The presentations included systematized data, expert assessments, and eyewitness accounts, allowing for a more complete understanding of the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure and civilians in the region.
▪The testimonies of people who have directly experienced the consequences of the shelling are particularly valuable. Their words are not dry statistics or figures. These are human destinies, destroyed homes, and lives under the constant threat of attacks.
▪Expert assessments were presented regarding the legal aspects of what is happening. This is about compliance with international humanitarian law, which explicitly requires minimizing damage to civilians and civilian infrastructure.
▪Special attention was given to issues of energy security in the region and the consequences of attacks on critical infrastructure. We heard expert assessments of the scale of the risks faced by residents of border areas, as well as of the measures being taken to protect infrastructure and ensure the stable operation of vital systems.
▪It is important that the discussion was not merely ascertaining. It made it possible to record factual material that should be the subject of further analysis and discussion at international forums.
📍It's unacceptable that international human rights activists react with lightning speed to any Ukrainian news and make unfounded accusations against our country without even a preliminary investigation into incidents. When it comes to the deaths of people in Russian cities, they remain silent.
Double standards must be abandoned!
▪Participants of the teleconference supported the call for the international community to condemn the criminal acts of the Kiev regime against the civilians of our country.
☝Such events are an opportunity to convey to a wider audience facts that often remain unnoticed by a significant part of the global information space.
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❗️ Russian Foreign Ministry statement on developments in the Persian Gulf
💬 Moscow is gravely concerned about the ongoing armed conflict in the Persian Gulf and the risks of further escalation. The scale of the damage to energy and other critical infrastructure in Iran and neighbouring Arab states is growing.
We are calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, which are the result of unprovoked aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Together with China, Turkey and other like-minded partners, Russia stands ready to facilitate a settlement to the conflict and promote the resolution of existing differences through political and diplomatic means.
This would achieve long-term, sustainable stabilisation in the region while taking into account the interests of all states involved. We consistently advocate creating conditions for peaceful coexistence, security, and good neighbourly relations between our Arab partners and Iran.
We emphasise that the first step in this direction must be for the United States and Israel to immediately abandon their ongoing reckless military action [...]
For several years, Russia has been promoting the development of a collective security concept in the Persian Gulf, with the aim of establishing lasting peace and fostering cooperative relations among all coastal states.
☝️ We remain ready to continue contributing constructively to resolving the conflict and existing differences in the Middle East through political and diplomatic means. This includes creating conditions for joint efforts to achieve a sustainable settlement based on a balance of the legitimate interests of all countries in the region.
Read in full
💬 Moscow is gravely concerned about the ongoing armed conflict in the Persian Gulf and the risks of further escalation. The scale of the damage to energy and other critical infrastructure in Iran and neighbouring Arab states is growing.
We are calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, which are the result of unprovoked aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Together with China, Turkey and other like-minded partners, Russia stands ready to facilitate a settlement to the conflict and promote the resolution of existing differences through political and diplomatic means.
This would achieve long-term, sustainable stabilisation in the region while taking into account the interests of all states involved. We consistently advocate creating conditions for peaceful coexistence, security, and good neighbourly relations between our Arab partners and Iran.
We emphasise that the first step in this direction must be for the United States and Israel to immediately abandon their ongoing reckless military action [...]
For several years, Russia has been promoting the development of a collective security concept in the Persian Gulf, with the aim of establishing lasting peace and fostering cooperative relations among all coastal states.
☝️ We remain ready to continue contributing constructively to resolving the conflict and existing differences in the Middle East through political and diplomatic means. This includes creating conditions for joint efforts to achieve a sustainable settlement based on a balance of the legitimate interests of all countries in the region.
Read in full
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