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March 20, 2022, 10:25 p.m.

How Western sanctions are affecting the lives of Russians

Summary

The sanctions leveled against Russia by the U.S. and its allies are the harshest ever handed down, and their effects are being felt widely in Russia. Special correspondent Ryan Chilcote reports from Moscow on how the lives of Russians are being impacted.

Five Facts

  • Who has been impacted in Russia but Western sanctions?
  • What are some of the effects of sanctions on daily life in Russia, according to this piece?
  • When were sanctions put in place?
  • Why have countries such as the United States imposed sanctions on Russia? What do they hope to gain?
  • How are some of those interviewed in this piece reacting to sanctions?

Focus Questions

Do you think it's fair or effective for countries like the U.S. to impose sanctions that impact ordinary Russians? If so, what value do you think these sanctions have? If not, what might be a more effective way to push for an end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Media literacy: Was there anything you didn't understand in this piece? Where could you go to find out more about what you didn't understand?

For More

Some Russians have tried to leave the country due to the political climate and fears of crackdowns on dissent. Still, many of those fleeing Russia are having a harder time finding acceptance in Europe and the U.S. than Ukrainians driven out by war. For more on some Russians' struggles to claim asylum, see this article.
Russians wait for a humanitarian visas at the San Ysidro Port of Entry of the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana
An U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent listens to Russians seeking for a humanitarian visa at the San Ysidro Port of Entry of the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana, Mexico March 15, 2022. Picture taken March 15, 2022. REUTERS/Jorge Duenes
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent listens to Russians seeking for a humanitarian visa at the San Ysidro Port of Entry of the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana, Mexico March 15, 2022. Picture taken March 15, 2022. REUTERS/Jorge Duenes

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