“The sanctions are hurting the West more than they are hurting the Russians.”
Well, the nature of sanctions is that they are always going to hurt both parties. That is part of the game.
The West can weather much more pain than Russia can though.
Putin doesn’t have to worry about domestic political opposition. Western leaders do. Some are already caving. FYI: The overwhelming number of countries are ignoring the sanctions.
There is no good reason for The West to weather any pain. All of the sanctions need to be ended immediately.
Er, no. Russia is largely self-sufficient and used to hardship. Hardships in the West will be unacceptable and the pols will give in after much blustering and attempted face saving. As always.