DISINFO: The West imposes sanctions on Russia because it doesn't want competition
SUMMARY
The motive behind the sanctions imposed by the West on Russia is clear: it does not want a competitor.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about sanctions against Russia, claiming that they are economically motivated, and are not linked to Russia's continuous violations of international law.
Sanctions were imposed against Russia in response to its illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Sanctions were designed to pressure Russia into ceasing its aggression and respecting Ukraine's sovereignty. The aim of these sanctions is not to stifle competition, but to hold Russia accountable for its destabilising actions.
Second, for a long time, so-called Western countries have welcomed Russia as an active player in international trade. They have invested in trade with Russia in energy, commodities, and other sectors. It was Russia's aggression against Ukraine that ended this cooperation.
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