DISINFO: The EU energy sanctions hit Europe, while Russia is drowning in money
SUMMARY
The EU energy sanctions against Russia turned against the Europeans and enriched Russia. Today, we can see that the energy sanctions against Russia are much more painful for the French than for Russia, which is now drowning in money. Let us be honest - these sanctions helped Russia to get rich and they turned against the Europeans.
RESPONSE
Old and recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative stating that sanctions would barely hurt or even benefit to Russia while it would dramatically hurt the EU, repurposed to serve in the context of Russia's unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
The EU adopted so far six sanction packages against Russia due to its illegal aggression and occupation of Ukrainian territories. Not all trade restrictions are yet enforced, as the energy sector needs a longer transition periods - so it is too early to assess the full effect of the sanctions in the long term. However, it is incorrect to state that Russian economy would be barely affected or would even benefit from the sanctions. The Russian leadership is constantly demanding the sanctions be removed.
A recent study from Yale University takes a detailed look into the effects sanctions are having on the Russian economy, concluding that "business retreats and sanctions are catastrophically crippling the Russian economy."
See also the assessment of EU HRVP Josep Borrell: sanction policy is working and strongly impacts Russian economy.
Read also related cases : The New York Times reports that Russia is barely affected by sanctions, sanctions against Russia worsen the economic crisis in the West , Sanctions are beneficial to Russia so the West should recognise Crimea as Russian, FT: Thanks to sanctions Russian agriculture strengthens its position in the world, The EU lost more from sanctions than Russia, European sanctions against Russia do not work.