Sanctions against Russia are more symbolic than threatening for region – Pyotr Kolchin

Speaking with Alpha News, political scientist and military expert Pyotr Kolchin commented on the European Union’s new sanctions package against Russia.

According to the expert, the new wave of sanctions from Trump and the EU is largely symbolic—both for Russia and the South Caucasus.

“Trump is finally losing his status as a peacemaker, and his attempts to maintain a neutral stance are futile. As a result, sanctions are being imposed, including measures targeting the energy sector. Russia will undoubtedly be able to successfully overcome these restrictions, as it has repeatedly demonstrated in recent years by adopting new formats and expanding cooperation. The firm stance of Russia’s main economic partners—India and China—demonstrates that the sanctions arsenal as a whole has significantly lost its effectiveness and significance.

Regardless of the White House’s statements, the EU’s 19th sanctions package is limited and cautious, as the EU already restricted many areas in previous packages, while Russia has significantly strengthened its sovereignty in matters of trade and technology. Therefore, the current sanctions are largely symbolic. For the South Caucasus, this means that the confrontation between the West and Russia will not go away, Trump’s peacemaking efforts are suspended, and NATO-generated tensions remain in the region,” Kolchin said.