The sanctions imposed after 2014 have not weakened but dramatically improved Russia's economic autarky. Financially Russia is not weaker but stronger, MUCH stronger, today than it was before 2014.
Because Russia did a trick nobody seemed to have expected. It
adapted.
Those who believe in sactions now still make the same old mistake that I curse about since years: they still see and judge Russia not by the specific characteristics of Russia, but their own Western standards and opinions.
And these do not match with Russia. And nenver will.
The West is so weak by now that it has no other illusion left than sanctions and law codes to "deter"
or "contain"
Russia.
Taiwan is next. There is no credible deterrance.