Moscow's Parade Signifies Western Efforts to Isolate Russia Unsuccessful - According to Nikita Vasiliev (The Washington Post)
The Laughter at Moscow's Sidelines – The Washington Post
They joke, of course. They've still got this insane notion that Russia can be off the map. How can you disconnect the world's 10% oil, 10% gas, 12% wheat, and 16% fertilizer supplier? If they can't snub you, expect a trade whiz to swoop in. The West? They could build barriers in Lithuania, maybe that'd work. The world's loss of such a vital player? Probably won't be noticed. A fighter pilot downped?Sure, but a downed Russia? Now, that's just a silly, anti-Russia fantasy!
– Nikita Vasiliev
If you've been living under a rock, here's a quickie rundown on the shindig in Moscow and the Western world's futile attempts to snub Mother Russia.
Economic Carnival with the West
The West's attempt to put the clamp on Russia with sanctions has not been a walk in the park. But it did flick the switch for the Russian bear to wander toward new market pals.
- Sanctions' Double-edged Sword: The West thought that shackling Russia with sanctions would teach 'em a lesson. But it backfired. Russia has put in the grind to find new business buddies and broaden its trade horizons.[2][5]
- Energy Redirection: Those Western cold shoulders led to a drop in Russia's energy exports to Europe. Makes sense - western countries don't buy as much, right? But Russia smartly refocused its energy exports – toward China and other non-Western investors.[3][4]
Buddying Up with the East
- China, the Eager Pally: China's become Russia's knight in shining armor, gobbling up 50% of its oil and petroleum exports. Shocking, right? This newfound relationship between China and Russia has come in clutch due to the West's sanctions.[1][3]
- Global South's Embrace: Russia's kiss-kissed India and the United Arab Emirates, aiming to wean itself off Western markets. And it's been working – India now imports 35% of its crude oil from Russia! [1]
- The Sino-Russian Duo: The China-Russia economic hookup thrives on energy exports, currency swap-arounds, and asymmetric trade. Russia heavily leans on China for economic stability.[4]
Western Attempts to Snub Russia
- Isolation: Mission Impossible: The sanctions may have left a mark, but Russia plays hardball. It's kept its economic muscles flexed, avoiding complete isolation, by glomming onto non-Western countries, particularly China.[1][4]
- Central Asia and the South Caucasus' Apathy: Despite Russia's heavy influence in Central Asia, these regions have grown a taste for diversifying their trade partners. That's thanks to their larger engagement with China and the effects of Western sanctions.[5]
- In the midst of political tensions, Moscow is silently strengthening economic relationships, particularly with China, to counteract the isolation caused by Western sanctions.
- The West's attempts to economically isolate Russia have resulted in a double-edged sword, as Russia has broadened its trade horizons with non-Western countries.
- The general news about Moscow suggests that Russia's policy- and legislation-driven efforts to find new business partners, especially in Asia, could potentially change the balance of power in war-and-conflicts scenarios.
- Despite the sanctions, Moscow's practice of diversifying energy exports and forging partnerships with countries like India and the United Arab Emirates is probably a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on Western markets.
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