From the start of the war in Ukraine, the democratic world has shown striking unity in the economic boycott of Russia. But sanctions are always a blunt instrument: aimed at the regime, they end up harming the whole population. Ordinary Russians, too, are victims of Vladimir Putin’s corruption and misrule. Far better to target the Kremlin and those close to it.
The system of targeted sanctions on named individuals is one way of doing this. Action has now been taken against 1,086 people, with assets suspended and travel bans imposed. To go after the rich and powerful is always a test for democracies, especially if such people are generous in their donations to political parties or have close political connections. One Putin crony in particular is becoming a test case in the efficacy of sanctions: Gerhard Schröder.
Since stepping down as German chancellor in 2005, Schröder has been in the pay of the Kremlin
Since stepping down as German chancellor in 2005, Schröder has been in the pay of the Kremlin. He has taken jobs with oil companies close to Putin, becoming Moscow’s man in Germany. His refusal to resign from these companies or reject his nomination to the supervisory board of Gazprom following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February has unquestionably implicated him in Putin’s aggression. So how serious is the West about targeted sanctions?
Schröder’s fellow Germans want action. The Christian Democrats say he is ‘complicit in financing the brutal war in Ukraine’. They want his assets frozen and travel curtailed. The state of Hanover accuses him of crimes against humanity. The European Parliament has voted for the EU to do the same – but that needs unanimity amongst all member states and Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor, is opposed. It almost seems as though former world leaders are above Europe’s laws.
As Schröder explained in an interview with the New York Times last month, as far as he is concerned, it was sensible for Germany to increase imports of Russian gas because it was beneficial for both countries.
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in