Key Point 1: Impact of sanctions on the Russian economy

The value of the Russian ruble has plummeted, losing half its value over the past year, signaling that sanctions are indeed taking a toll on the Russian economy. The weakened ruble reflects the impact of oil sanctions and trade sanctions. The decrease in oil revenues has strained the Russian budget, leading to a slower economy. Putin's need for dollars to pay for imports, circumventing sanctions through intermediaries, has further contributed to the ruble's weakening. The West should tighten and enforce sanctions, specifically targeting the import of sensitive technologies and oil, in order to exert greater pressure on Russia.