This. Plus sanctions are also a deterrent, and not using them when a state goes over the line will weaken soft power in the future. So while it sucks for Russia

This. Plus sanctions are also a deterrent, and not using them when a state goes over the line will weaken soft power in the future. So while it sucks for Russians who don't support Putin it will make the Chinese or American or whoever is next to egregiously violate what the rest of the world considers right take the threat of sanctions more seriously.