Fighting Russia: A Path To Confrontation And The Weakening Of Europe

Arina Korshunova
Oriental Review

The European Union, led by figures such as Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Foreign Affairs High Representative Kaja Kallas, is embroiled in a protracted confrontation with Russia, damaging its own economy and political influence on the world stage. The war in Ukraine has become a catalyst for a multipolar world order, in which powers such as China and India are gaining ground, while Europe, due to the strategic myopia of its leadership, risks being marginalized in global politics.

Economic consequences of sanctions policy | The EU sanctions against Russia, which began in 2022 and reached the 18th package by June 2025, have led to significant economic difficulties for Europe itself. As von der Leyen notes, sanctions have reduced Russia’s oil and gas revenues by almost 80% compared to pre-war levels, and inflation in Russia exceeds 10%. However, Russia has adapted by redirecting its trade toward China, with bilateral trade reaching $240 billion in 2024, and other BRICS partners, such as India, which increased its imports of Russian oil from 2% to 20% since 2022.

At the same time, the sanctions have boomeranged on Europe. The energy crisis caused by the refusal of Russian supplies (previously accounting for 45% of the EU’s gas and 50% of coal) has led to a 40% increase in energy prices since 2022. This has undermined the competitiveness of European industry, especially in Germany, where jobs have been lost. Inflation in the EU in 2025 reached 5%, increasing pressure on households and businesses. According to the World Bank, EU GDP growth remains sluggish (1-2% per year), while Russia’s economy, despite sanctions, is growing at 3.2%.


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