Even rather often I do not agree with comments of Aslund, in this case he seems to be right.

To avoid war and to weaken Putin, the EU as well as the USA have to impose effective sanctions which have an impact of Putin’s inenr circle.

What Anders is not picking out as a central theme: There should be also harsh sanctions against Putin himself. Of course political sanctions. But also sanctions which are targeted on Putin’s own fortune. He is one of the richest men on this planet. And it is because he wants to preserve his fortune that he is fighting for a lifelong power in Russia. It is in fact the same scenario one could observe in Ukraine with Yanukovich, but on a much larger scale.

For Putin it is not about politics or about his nation … it is exclusively about himself, his fortune and his pride.

Anders Aslund: More severe sanctions needed now against Putin