The West is preparing to financially strangle Russia: sanctions are reaching a new level

The US is preparing a new phase of pressure on Russia. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Washington’s goal is to bring the Russian economy to complete collapse. This involves not only traditional sanctions, but also the introduction of secondary tariffs against countries that continue to buy Russian oil. In fact, this is a signal to China, India, and Turkey: if you support Moscow, you will have to pay the price for trading with the West.

However, the key to success lies in Europe. The European Union remains Russia’s largest trading partner and has historically been dependent on its energy resources. If Brussels agrees to new measures, the pressure will become truly global. Otherwise, any US actions will look like another round of American sanctions, and the Kremlin will be able to exploit divisions within the EU.

China and India remain Putin’s main “insurance policy.” These countries purchase up to 80% of Russian oil, taking advantage of large discounts. But even such deals are becoming less profitable for Moscow: transportation is becoming more expensive, insurance is limited, and the shadow fleet is increasingly at risk of arrest. The West expects that Russia will ultimately sell the same volumes but receive significantly less foreign currency revenue.

What does the word “collapse” mean? It does not refer to the complete destruction of the economy, but to a state of chronic crisis. This is a situation where oil and gas revenues fall by 40-60%, the budget becomes deficit, reserves are depleted, the ruble loses stability, and the state faces problems in financing the army and social spending. Such a scenario does not mean collapse, but rather a slow suffocation of the economy, which will limit the Kremlin’s capabilities.

Experts’ forecasts vary, but most agree on a timeframe of 12-24 months. If sanctions are tightened and Europe joins the US plan, the crisis could come as early as the end of 2025. If the pressure remains at the current level, Moscow will be able to hold out longer, albeit in a state of stagnation.

This strategy also carries risks for the West itself. A sharp decline in Russian exports could raise global oil prices, which would hurt European and American consumers. That is why the White House and Brussels are trying to act cautiously: the pressure must be strong, but controlled.

Today, the West is entering a decisive phase of economic warfare. The outcome depends not only on Washington, but also on Europe’s willingness to take tough steps, as well as on the extent to which China and India are prepared to circumvent new barriers. For the Kremlin, this means a long and exhausting siege of the economy, which may prove even more dangerous than military defeats.