Sanctions 'tighten Putin's vice-like grip on power'

Warning amid ‘highly productive’ talks

- By Jonathan Walker

SANCTIONS imposed by the West on Russia may have actually strengthened Vladimir Putin’s grip on power, experts have warned.

They said Russian businesses have become more dependent on his government while the Kremlin has strengthened ties with countries such as China, India and Saudi Arabia.

The warning comes in a report by UK-based think tank the Henry Jackson Society, ahead of Donald Trump’s deadline for Russia to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine and as US talks with Putin were described as “highly productive”.

Washington has threatened “severe tariffs” and other economic penalties if a ceasefire is not agreed by Friday.

However, report authors Dr Helena Ivanov and Dr Theo Zenou said: “Rogue regimes are adapting, markets are profiting and civilians are paying the price. We need a tougher, smarter sanctions regime — one that actually weakens autocrats rather than strengthening their grip.”