The imposition of Western sanctions on Russia was aimed at crippling its economy and reducing its ability to continue the conflict in Ukraine. However, the impact of the sanctions has been mixed, with Russia remaining stable economically despite its ongoing fight. Analysts believe that the sanctions will eventually have their desired effect, but it may take more time for the full impact to be felt, potentially prolonging the conflict.
On the other hand, wars often come with significant financial costs. Governments must channel funds into manufacturing military equipment, diverting resources away from civilian production and leading to inflation. Conscription of able-bodied men can result in labor shortages, often filled by less qualified individuals such as mothers, retirees or those unable to secure regular employment. Additionally, a focus on military production can reduce export earnings, resulting in increased government spending and decreased revenue. As a result, most countries end up financing wars through a substantial increase in government debt.
