Russia Was Prepared to Withstand Sanctions. Why Wasn't Europe Prepared to Impose

[lovesmayfamilis]

. And I am very much willing to put my money where my mouth is. I am willing to bet for this. Are you?

I will find where to spend my money, and if you are such a "patriot" who watches fake news, donate to someone who tries so hard to make you believe in them. I say again, time will tell who is right and where, it’s not worth setting deadlines, but these posts will remain, and you have the right to find them and then think how stupid you were.

[DrBeer]

....
Sanctions can only do so much. We all know that. I doubt it can fully convert a country. Heavily-sanctioned countries like North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, Iran, and others are still standing on their feet. Russia is apparently richer than these countries so we won't be expecting it to bow down either. However, this doesn't mean that they're ready or have prepared for it. It's just that crazy leaders like Kim Jong Un and Putin couldn't care less about sanctions. These sanctions are not taking any luxury or power from them. Neither Kim nor Maduro nor Putin is deprived of a sumptuous meal because of their madness. But their people are.

More than a month since the invasion, instead of successfully taking over Ukraine, setbacks are now seen. I am certain that even with another month of extension in this foolishness, Russia will not be able to take Ukraine despite all the propaganda that they have calculated and are ready for everything. And I am very much willing to put my money where my mouth is. I am willing to bet for this. Are you?

There is a nuance that you did not take into account. North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba are small countries, countries where life is bad are a common thing. Iran cannot be called a small country, but after the overthrow of the secular government, it turned into a virtually medieval country, with a tough, totalitarian government, where a low standard of living is commonplace. This time. Two - such a number of sanctions, with such a variety as in Russia, are not and have not been in the listed countries. They also do not have the collapse of the army, and the loss of confidence in the authorities. There are many more differences. And most importantly, Russia needs to maintain a huge number of security forces, to contain internal tensions, it is necessary to support "Putin's friends" who have lost hundreds of billions of dollars, it is necessary to contain at least 100 million biomass, which, although used to living at the bottom, can start a revolution, to replace an unsuccessful king with another king. Therefore, sanctions for Russia-have a devastating effect, for the countries you listed-an uncomfortable effect.

[Ozero]

For me, everything is clear. Europe and America are accustomed to considering themselves the leading countries that can very easily manipulate all other countries. But the pressure on Russia did not begin even in 2014; hatred for Russians is born deep in history. But as the Russians say: "everything that does not kill us makes us stronger" Therefore, the Russian government, feeling another negative influence, as well as a dictatorship from the West, has always understood that it is necessary to prepare for the fact that sooner or later, this abscess of hatred will breakthrough. And as an example of today's events, the Russians were right.
They are ready for all sanctions, as they probably worked out all the situations that could happen in the future. But all other countries, mistakenly taking on the role of head of the world, did not take any action, always thinking that power and strength would always be theirs. But now everyone understands that this Russia is not so weak, for which it was taken earlier.

Putin and his entourage have always stated that they are not afraid of US and European sanctions. Russia is doing the same now, although after a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this time the imposed sanctions became very tough. However, many, even in Russia itself, admit that Putin clearly did not expect such a one-sidedness of the world community and such harsh sanctions this time. Only a few weeks have passed and we already see that the sanctions are working and Russia is becoming a pariah country very quickly. Given that Russia is suffering a military defeat in Ukraine, it is very likely that the above proverb will work this time as well, and the current sanctions will still kill Russia as a state. This will be seen by the end of this year.

[RealMalatesta]

There is a nuance that you did not take into account. North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba are small countries, countries where life is bad are a common thing. Iran cannot be called a small country, but after the overthrow of the secular government, it turned into a virtually medieval country, with a tough, totalitarian government, where a low standard of living is commonplace. This time. Two - such a number of sanctions, with such a variety as in Russia, are not and have not been in the listed countries. They also do not have the collapse of the army, and the loss of confidence in the authorities. There are many more differences. And most importantly, Russia needs to maintain a huge number of security forces, to contain internal tensions, it is necessary to support "Putin's friends" who have lost hundreds of billions of dollars, it is necessary to contain at least 100 million biomass, which, although used to living at the bottom, can start a revolution, to replace an unsuccessful king with another king. Therefore, sanctions for Russia-have a devastating effect, for the countries you listed-an uncomfortable effect.

Iran could have been doing better as well, and technically speaking it has been doing fine compared to places like Cuba or Venezuela, so I think your example is correct that it can't be done to bigger nations.

I have to say Russia is not even a "decent" nation, it is a huge one so trying to do it to them was a bad idea from the start and I get that, I understand that if you want to do sanctions to a huge nation, you are forgetting that the world needs a lot from that nation and this time it was energy, if you do that to any other nation, you would face some other problem but it is a problem nevertheless. That is what I really can't stress enough why the sanctions failed, because world needs energy from Russia.

[Darker45]

. And I am very much willing to put my money where my mouth is. I am willing to bet for this. Are you?

I will find where to spend my money, and if you are such a "patriot" who watches fake news, donate to someone who tries so hard to make you believe in them. I say again, time will tell who is right and where, it’s not worth setting deadlines, but these posts will remain, and you have the right to find them and then think how stupid you were.

I was just saying it in case you are that convinced of your views.

I am not really a patriot although, of course, I love my country. But I am not a hard fan of the US and the EU and the enemies of Russia. I am just looking at things and trying to understand them as objectively as possible. And if there are fake news, I am more than sure they are more widespread in Russia than outside. At the very least, the media in the US and many parts of the world are less of a state tool for propaganda than those in Russia.

We will see in the coming weeks, but, so far, I am convinced that Russia won't be able to take Ukraine however prepared they claim to be.

[Flexystar]

Yeah, after reading this and seeing the graphs it really seems russia was planning this since very long? What if everyone today is just blind folded since the last Ukriane attack 8 years ago? Russia might have built the internal strategy right after they backed up the previous war. They might have projected the whole plot for example, how europe will react with the war breakout, how america will react which is most rival country for them or other way round.

The steadiness is due to Russia's richness in the fossil resources. They know world wants them and specifically the neighbouring European countries. Europe surely created too much dependency on the Russia and all sudden the they went rogue.

I think it is one of those strategies for war where you press the most weak point of others and then torn them inside out.

[justdimin]

Yeah, after reading this and seeing the graphs it really seems russia was planning this since very long? What if everyone today is just blind folded since the last Ukriane attack 8 years ago? Russia might have built the internal strategy right after they backed up the previous war. They might have projected the whole plot for example, how europe will react with the war breakout, how america will react which is most rival country for them or other way round.

The steadiness is due to Russia's richness in the fossil resources. They know world wants them and specifically the neighbouring European countries. Europe surely created too much dependency on the Russia and all sudden the they went rogue.

I think it is one of those strategies for war where you press the most weak point of others and then torn them inside out.

This isn't something they "planned", I mean of course they probably knew what they would do "in case..." type of situation, but they lived with this idea basically. Ukraine had places where there were plenty of Russians, and places where basically Russia is loved like crazy, and they wanted to get those places. Obviously it doesn't make sense for Ukraine to give their lands to Russia, so this means both knew that they would be in a war one day or another.

This doesn't mean they knew when it would happen, but they definitely knew that one day it would happen. If you consider that as planned, then it was planned, but I would say being ready, and not planned. Planned means they aimed at doing this, being ready means they would if something happened but won't if that won't happen.

[Sithara007]

This isn't something they "planned", I mean of course they probably knew what they would do "in case..." type of situation, but they lived with this idea basically. Ukraine had places where there were plenty of Russians, and places where basically Russia is loved like crazy, and they wanted to get those places. Obviously it doesn't make sense for Ukraine to give their lands to Russia, so this means both knew that they would be in a war one day or another.

This doesn't mean they knew when it would happen, but they definitely knew that one day it would happen. If you consider that as planned, then it was planned, but I would say being ready, and not planned. Planned means they aimed at doing this, being ready means they would if something happened but won't if that won't happen.

Right now the politics in Ukraine is dominated by nationalists from Western part of that country, and the Eastern Ukrainians feel alienated. And this is not a new issue. The discrimination against the Easterners started in 2004, when the US-backed coup installed Viktor Yushchenko as the president of Ukraine. If Ukraine want to survive as a country, it needs to respect the rights of it's Russian speaking population. People like Zelensky are opposed to that idea and want their views imposed across all of Ukraine. And now we are able to see the end results.

[be.open]

That is what I really can't stress enough why the sanctions failed, because world needs energy from Russia.

The strategic mistake of the United Europe was Germany's decision to abandon nuclear energy, under pressure from environmentalists and against the backdrop of the Fukushima accident. France did not make this mistake and retained its network of nuclear power plants, but Germany is the locomotive of the European Union with a very developed energy-intensive industry, and by abandoning nuclear energy, it has made itself energetically insecure and very dependent on energy supplies from Russia. Wind turbines and solar panels are too unreliable to be seriously relied upon, they are a good additional dessert, but not a main course.

Even a complete energy embargo from the West will not force Putin to abandon his plans, because his interests in Ukraine lie predominantly not in the economic plane. At the same time, a complete energy embargo would be immediate economic suicide for the European Union.

[TheNineClub]

The ''west'' was not preparing for this, for sure, because the threat of war on the European continent was so unimaginable (at least in this part of Europe) that they completely ignored the threat. However, it's not just the European countries ignoring it, the countries that are big importers of grain from Ukraine and Russia also were caught off guard with Yemen and Egipt being at risk the most, but also China, who will not feel the issue that much, but still had huge imports of grain from Ukraine. However, whatever preparations Russia made for imminent sanctions, that does not mean that they won't be severely affected by Europe turning away from its oil and gas exports in the near future. Especially if Russia loses the annexed Ukrainian territory that is filled with natural resources.

[btc_angela]

The ''west'' was not preparing for this, for sure, because the threat of war on the European continent was so unimaginable (at least in this part of Europe) that they completely ignored the threat. However, it's not just the European countries ignoring it, the countries that are big importers of grain from Ukraine and Russia also were caught off guard with Yemen and Egipt being at risk the most, but also China, who will not feel the issue that much, but still had huge imports of grain from Ukraine. However, whatever preparations Russia made for imminent sanctions, that does not mean that they won't be severely affected by Europe turning away from its oil and gas exports in the near future. Especially if Russia loses the annexed Ukrainian territory that is filled with natural resources.

Possible, it could be a failure of the West, particularly the US again. Their intelligence gathering, the whole network has failed them because they think that Putin is not willing to take the risk and go to war. But we all know that Putin is good in playing around. And maybe at the background he has been targeting the war itself. Sanctions are not going to work if Russia will find a way to circumvent it. And I don't think that Russia is going to accept defeat here.

[DrBeer]

There is a nuance that you did not take into account. North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba are small countries, countries where life is bad are a common thing. Iran cannot be called a small country, but after the overthrow of the secular government, it turned into a virtually medieval country, with a tough, totalitarian government, where a low standard of living is commonplace. This time. Two - such a number of sanctions, with such a variety as in Russia, are not and have not been in the listed countries. They also do not have the collapse of the army, and the loss of confidence in the authorities. There are many more differences. And most importantly, Russia needs to maintain a huge number of security forces, to contain internal tensions, it is necessary to support "Putin's friends" who have lost hundreds of billions of dollars, it is necessary to contain at least 100 million biomass, which, although used to living at the bottom, can start a revolution, to replace an unsuccessful king with another king. Therefore, sanctions for Russia-have a devastating effect, for the countries you listed-an uncomfortable effect.

Iran could have been doing better as well, and technically speaking it has been doing fine compared to places like Cuba or Venezuela, so I think your example is correct that it can't be done to bigger nations.

I have to say Russia is not even a "decent" nation, it is a huge one so trying to do it to them was a bad idea from the start and I get that, I understand that if you want to do sanctions to a huge nation, you are forgetting that the world needs a lot from that nation and this time it was energy, if you do that to any other nation, you would face some other problem but it is a problem nevertheless. That is what I really can't stress enough why the sanctions failed, because world needs energy from Russia.

Once again about the "huge". say - and for example the Congo - "a huge, great country"? Or, for example, Vietnam is a "huge country"? And Nigeria?
The first 2 countries - fully correspond to the "scale" of Russia in terms of population. Nigeria - exceeds 2 times Russia. Where is the greatness of Russia? In territory? I'll tell you a secret - 70% + of this territory IS NOT INVOLVED AT ALL, and ARE NOT OPENED !!! You didn't know? These territories are not suitable for life, there is nothing useful or strategically important there! So greatness is very "inflated"

[Sithara007]

Once again about the "huge". say - and for example the Congo - "a huge, great country"? Or, for example, Vietnam is a "huge country"? And Nigeria?
The first 2 countries - fully correspond to the "scale" of Russia in terms of population. Nigeria - exceeds 2 times Russia. Where is the greatness of Russia? In territory? I'll tell you a secret - 70% + of this territory IS NOT INVOLVED AT ALL, and ARE NOT OPENED !!! You didn't know? These territories are not suitable for life, there is nothing useful or strategically important there! So greatness is very "inflated"

If population is the sole criteria, then I need to remind you that the population of UK and France amounts to less than half of that of Russia. So these countries are not "great", I guess. And while it may be true that around 70% of the area of Russia is sparsely populated, this region contains one of the highest concentrations of metals and minerals in the planet. I am talking about Nickel deposits of Norilsk, Bauxite in Baikal, diamonds in Yakutia, oil and natural gas in Yugra, Copper in Urals and gold in Amur.

[be.open]

Where is the greatness of Russia? In territory? I'll tell you a secret - 70% + of this territory IS NOT INVOLVED AT ALL, and ARE NOT OPENED !!! You didn't know? These territories are not suitable for life, there is nothing useful or strategically important there! So greatness is very "inflated"

Russia has a huge excess of natural resources and the most combat-ready army in the world against the backdrop of food security and no problems with fresh water. It is foolish to deny or doubt the greatness of Russia. The United States is trying in every possible way to quarrel Russia with Europe in order to eliminate Europe as a competitor and to solve its internal problems at their expense. At the same time, pushing Russia into a strategic alliance with China and India, which have huge human resources and which such an alliance with Russia is also beneficial. Europe in this situation is in the unenviable role of a trophy and a victim, the influence over which is apparently shared by the United States and Russia. I think this is what Putin and Biden agreed on when they met in December 2021.

[Tony116]

The US and Eastern Europe has been criticizing the growing dependence on Russian fossil fuels for a long time. But Western Europe wanted to reduce American influence, and they believed that they can contain Russian aggression by being friendly. They miscalculated heavily, because Putin viewed friendliness as softness and invitation for more aggression.

I wouldn't say that Russia was fully prepared for sanctions. A significant part of their 600 billion reserves got frozen, because it was held in the west. Russia heavily relies on imported components for manufacturing nearly anything, so their military-industrial complex got hit very hard with sanctions.

Also, the full effect of sanctions will become clear in 1-2 years. But some of the Russian top officials already admitted that they didn't expect sanctions to be this harsh.

Of course, sanctions will affect Russia but that does not mean they are unprepared. Sanctions to date have not only damaged Russia, but also had a strong impact on Europe and the world. Europe is having terrible days because of high energy prices and what will happen if they are not powered in the coming years.

[Smartprofit]

The US and Eastern Europe has been criticizing the growing dependence on Russian fossil fuels for a long time. But Western Europe wanted to reduce American influence, and they believed that they can contain Russian aggression by being friendly. They miscalculated heavily, because Putin viewed friendliness as softness and invitation for more aggression.

I wouldn't say that Russia was fully prepared for sanctions. A significant part of their 600 billion reserves got frozen, because it was held in the west. Russia heavily relies on imported components for manufacturing nearly anything, so their military-industrial complex got hit very hard with sanctions.

Also, the full effect of sanctions will become clear in 1-2 years. But some of the Russian top officials already admitted that they didn't expect sanctions to be this harsh.

Of course, sanctions will affect Russia but that does not mean they are unprepared. Sanctions to date have not only damaged Russia, but also had a strong impact on Europe and the world. Europe is having terrible days because of high energy prices and what will happen if they are not powered in the coming years.

Yes, there is an opinion that only an oil embargo can destroy the Russian economy.  It is from the sale of oil that Russia receives the main revenues to the state budget.

Oil prices do not depend on the natural season (winter or summer).  Oil is widely used for the manufacture of gasoline, as well as in the petrochemical industry. 

Are Western countries ready to impose an oil embargo? 

I don't have an answer to this question.  The United States declares its principled position to deprive the Russian Federation of all its oil and gas revenues.  However, the EU may have a different opinion on this matter. 

At the same time, in my opinion, the Russian Federation has huge problems.  First of all, it is the complete absence of a positive picture of the future of Russia and its citizens. 

Few people realize this now, but a social society can collapse faster than the country actually runs out of resources and serious economic problems begin.  People cannot live without hope. 

And psychologically, people break down faster than machine tools and machines.

[Pejoh Asu]

I think Russia has all the resources to stop european sanctions, the dependence of many european countries on russian gas and oil of course makes it better for them to be silent than to be strict, only a few countries are serious about putting pressure on russia with strict sanctions, but if strict sanctions are enforced i will sure Russia is ready and anticipated so that it will not have a significant impact.

[Oasisman]

I think Russia has all the resources to stop european sanctions, the dependence of many european countries on russian gas and oil of course makes it better for them to be silent than to be strict, only a few countries are serious about putting pressure on russia with strict sanctions, but if strict sanctions are enforced i will sure Russia is ready and anticipated so that it will not have a significant impact.

You have stated the most obvious, that's actually what the OP is pointing out. Russia was more than ready for the sanctions before they execute the attack. They knew they possessed one of the world's necessity and European countries had their oil reliance grown since the last few years. That alone could be enough for Russia to withstand whatever economic sanctions the US or the European countries impose to them.
Though these sanctions their facing have affected them, but they have options to avoid the major effect of these sanctions.

[JoyMarsha]

Russia was gearing up for an attack and you can see it on these statistics posted by OP how much they sped up their accumulation since 2018. The EU had years to realize that but they failed.

Since the cold war, Russia's relationship with the west has always been delicate so much that i think they knew that a time may come when they may have to indulge in a show of strength with the West, so they have had to be prepared, and made themselves important to the power sector. Putin put Russia in a position where they almost seem indispensable, like they hold the world's power sector by the balls. They are almost too important now, sanctions cannot be fully implemented for the now, alternatives to power from Russia has to be made first for the effects of the sanctions to be swift.

Someone who plans to start a battle with someone prepares better than the person that the problems meet unprepared and unexpectedly.

 

Western countries don't want the war to end that's why always they are giving over weapons to Ukraine and putting sanctions on Russia which is not the solution. Just moderation is the only way out.
Also, the affiliation of those highest countries is not to discuss how to bring peace to citizens of any country.

[farsky]

Rus fascists:
A-Bolt, Xommy, ivan1975, lovesmayfamilis, Excimer, leonello, Snork1979, be.open, Azrieli

don't trust them.
They will lie and manipulate words, presenting false theories.
They lie about the fact that the States want to embroil Russia with someone.

in fact, Russia has long been a terrorist country.
I myself live in Russia.
I am very sad from the anger of the government and the people,
our people hate Ukrainians simply because the russian TV convinced them of this.