Russia has never been subjected to such severe sanctions. From a technology export ban to limiting diplomatic visas for high-ranking Russians. Some Russian banks will also no longer have access to European banks and the assets of President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov will be frozen.
Western leaders call the response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine unprecedented. But the heavy sanctions are not the prelude to military intervention by the West against Russia. This is mainly because Ukraine is not a member of NATO.
–
–
Attack on one, attack on all
The Western military alliance consists of thirty countries, including most EU countries, such as the Netherlands, and the United States and the United Kingdom. These countries cooperate in the field of politics and defense.
In practice this means, among other things, that if one of the NATO members is attacked, the other members come to the rescue. “An attack on one is an attack on all,” the important article 5 of the NATO treaty states.
A possible NATO membership of Ukraine is seen by Russia as a threat. Moscow wants Kiev to promise never to do this. After the invasion of Russia, Ukrainian President Zelensky on Thursday called on NATO to join, but it is now too late for that.
–
–
More NATO troops
NATO has strongly condemned the invasion of Ukraine. The alliance already has troops in member states in Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, but is now increasing the number of troops there. Including in Estonia.
For the first time, NATO is now also deploying part of its Response Force. These are military personnel that can be deployed quickly. NATO troops in Eastern Europe and the Baltic States should above all act as a deterrent to Russia, as a warning not to attack NATO countries. But Ukraine is basically militarily alone.
Nevertheless, in a highly exceptional situation, NATO can still decide to intervene militarily in Ukraine, for example if the war turns into an unprecedented humanitarian drama. But the chance of this happening is seen as extremely small. Also because an attack on nuclear superpower Russia could have catastrophic consequences for the world.
–
–
What can the West do then?
If the West does not intervene militarily, are there other options besides the current sanctions? The so-called ‘nuclear’ sanction option that can still be used against Russia is financially cutting the country off from the outside world via SWIFT.
This is a system set up by banks to arrange payment transactions among themselves. If Russia is cut off from SWIFT, this will have a major impact on, for example, the export of oil, gas and other products. The Netherlands is in favor of this, but other countries are not yet in agreement.
–
–
