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It’s a quick, symbolic first move, likely to be followed by more severe financial consequences. I think the largest here is going to be that it lights a politic
by Erlangolem 9y ago
It’s a quick, symbolic first move, likely to be followed by more severe financial consequences. I think the largest here is going to be that it lights a political fire under some asses to hasten disengagement from Russia. The UK is already consuming less Russian gas, and in general between this, meddling in elections, Crimea, and Syria, it might be thst Europe in general seeks to financially disentangle from Russia.
Isolating Russia killed it once, and the Russia of today is a shadow of its former self.
- charlesdm 9y agoThe UK has no incentive to mess up the relations with Russia if they're going ahead with brexit. They need trading partners. Morals, law and ethics tend to go out the window when money is involved. Just look at the relationship Saudi Arabia has with most western nations. Do you think it would the same if they were a dirt poor country?
- Erlangolem 9y agoThey have the incentive of their own citizens being exposed to nerve agents, polonium, and who knows what else. I don’t think “if brexit” is the spur it was last year either, given the sheer number of backbenchers who seem to be maneuvering for another referendum. Russian trade isn’t as valuable to the UK as EU, US, and CA trade either. Over it all, China is getting much more cozy with the UK (Hinkley Point anyone?) while Russia is moving away. The UK doesn’t need Russia, long term, especially with the rise of China as an economic force.