And he considered - in his statements to the "Beyond the News" program (23/2/2022) that the sanctions imposed by America and Western countries on Russia will not significantly affect the Russian economy or policies, noting that imposing sanctions that include closing banks or companies in the future is a threat to Russia. It would further influence the political course of Moscow.
This came against the backdrop of US President Joe Biden's announcement of imposing sanctions on two Russian financial institutions and on Russian sovereign debt, in response to the measures taken by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For his part, the former American diplomat in Moscow, Donald Jensen, said that the sanctions should be more severe, considering that the Western alliance was united despite the differences over the severity of these sanctions, considering that they will harm the Russian economy, but will not deter Moscow from the expected military escalation.
He added that these sanctions are more effective because they targeted financial institutions that were not targeted before, as well as the Russian elite surrounding Russian President Vladimir Putin that benefit from Russian policies, and therefore he strongly supported this step.
He also expected that if Russia continues with escalatory measures, other new sanctions will be imposed, noting that Russia wants to show the extent of its steadfastness in the face of the West.
It is noteworthy that Biden considered that Putin's actions are the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, stressing that sanctions will also be imposed on Russian elites and their family members, and vowing to impose tougher sanctions if Russia continues to escalate them.
In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called what he called Russia's illegal actions in Ukraine an attack on democracy and a threat to peace around the world.