The Legality and Effect of Western Sanctions on Russia Under International Law

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Delta, Agbor-Nigeria

2 University of Delta University

10.22091/ijicl.2025.12437.1139

Abstract

This study examines the legal foundations, legitimacy, and effectiveness of Western sanctions imposed on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine. It assesses these measures under international law, evaluating their compliance with principles governing economic coercion, state sovereignty, and lawful enforcement. Through doctrinal analysis, the study explores the sanctions’ influence on Russia’s foreign policy and military strategy. Findings suggest that while early sanctions produced notable economic disruption, Russia has adapted by diversifying its economy and deepening trade relations with non-sanctioning states. Though often framed as lawful countermeasures under international law, the actual effectiveness of these sanctions in constraining Russia’s military ambitions remains contested. The study identifies key legal and policy considerations affecting the impact of sanctions, including proportionality, global economic interdependence, and the mitigating role of major powers such as China. Ultimately, it questions the long-term viability of both unilateral and multilateral sanctions as reliable instruments of coercive diplomacy within the framework of international law.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Iranian Journal of International and Comparative Law

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 09 July 2025

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics