How effective are Western sanctions against Russia?

In recent weeks and months, the effects of Western sanctions on Russia have been increasingly called into question. The discussion has been fueled in particular by rapidly rising energy prices, with not only gas but also electricity now affected by historic price increases. By contrast, the sanctions appear to be having little or only a very slow impact on the Russian economy. Therefore, the question arises to what extent Western sanctions are suitable to actually achieve the goals pursued and whether they can contribute to an early end of the war.

The main framework conditions nevertheless appear to be unfavorable for Russia. Its economy is very dependent on Europe, especially for the sale of raw materials. Yet this will not be easy, that much is already certain.

In one respect, Putin was probably right: There will not be an "economic blitzkrieg".