Should governments use sanctions to pressure Russia over Ukraine?

Context

Since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Western governments have debated whether economic sanctions—restrictions on trade, finance, and technology—effectively pressure Moscow to change course or merely entrench its position. Sanctions advocates argue they degrade Russia's military capacity and signal resolve; critics contend they risk economic blowback, may be circumvented through third countries, and could harden Russian resolve. The debate intensifies as policymakers balance support for Ukraine against domestic energy prices and geopolitical divisions within allied nations.