The Impact of Western Sanctions on Russians: An Unnoticed Reality

It is often claimed that Western sanctions have significantly affected the daily lives of Russians. However, many Russians report that life in Russia continues largely as usual, highlighting how these measures have not had the intended impact on the Russian populace. This article aims to explore the actual impact of these sanctions on ordinary Russians and dispel some common misconceptions.

Covid, Inflation, and Other Sanctions

When examining the effects of sanctions on Russians, it is essential to consider other factors such as Covid, inflation, fuel prices, and food costs. These elements are often conflated with the effects of sanctions, creating a distorted narrative. For instance, many Russians mistakenly believe that high inflation rates and rising fuel prices are a direct result of sanctions imposed by Western nations.

Despite these challenges, it is crucial to understand that the root cause of these economic issues is not solely sanctions. Inflation, for example, was already on the rise due to various domestic and international factors, including the global pandemic. These pre-existing conditions contribute to the current economic landscape in Russia, making it difficult to attribute all economic issues to sanctions.

Energy and Infrastructure

One of the most visible impacts of sanctions for Russians is the price of gas. While Russians pay around 2.30 for gas, it is significantly higher in Western Europe where energy costs have risen dramatically. This disparity highlights the fact that many Russians are less affected by energy shortages compared to their counterparts in the West, who have had to adapt to new realities, such as biking to work and dealing with a wave of refugees.

Despite these challenges, life in Russia remains relatively stable. According to many observers, the standard of living in Moscow and Russia as a whole has not fallen significantly. In fact, several key metrics indicate that Russian citizens have not been greatly impacted by these measures. For instance, inflation, which was anticipated to be around 4%, actually reached a higher rate of 21%. However, increases in pensions, child and maternity payouts, and army salaries were applied at a rate of 10%, resulting in a net increase in most people's incomes, with an average 8% raise.

Quality of Life and Everyday Products

Another significant aspect of the impact of sanctions on Russians concerns the quality of everyday products. For example, the softness and fluffiness of toilet paper, paper towels, and napkins have decreased since the application of sanctions. This is due to a ban on the export of birch wood from Russia and Belarus to the European Union, which is required to produce the fluffy texture of these products. The lack of birch wood in the EU has led to a significant decline in the quality of these items, which Russians notice on a daily basis.

Government and Media Perceptions

Finally, it is important to consider the perceptions of the Russian government and media regarding the impact of sanctions. Many officials and experts within Russia acknowledge that the sanctions are more detrimental to Western countries and their allies than to Russia itself. Western media often exaggerates the negative effects of sanctions on the Russian economy, which is quite resilient.

The Russian government and its supporters argue that the economy is failing the narrative is simply misleading. The strategy of pointing out the inconveniences faced by Western citizens due to sanctions, such as the desertion of traditional luxury brands, highlights the resilience of the Russian market and the need for Western media to provide a more balanced perspective on the situation.

While the impact of sanctions on Russia is often underestimated by the Western public, it is clear from personal experiences and official statements that the standard of living for Russians has not been significantly affected. The Russian economy, though facing challenges, continues to function effectively, and Russian citizens are largely aware of the underlying reasons for various economic issues, rather than attributing them solely to sanctions.