Tensions between Russia and Ukraine are escalating – but as international intervention continues, what happens if sanctions are imposed on Putin himself?
As tensions on the Russia and Ukraine border escalate, some Western powers, including the U.S. and Britain, are considering personal sanctions on President Vladimir Putin if Moscow invades its neighbour.
But what would that mean for Putin?
Severing Putin’s foreign ties
Personal sanctions typically mean restrictions or freezes on foreign assets, and travel bans.
Imposing such measures on Putin would likely be seen by Russia as extremely hostile.
Reuters’ Moscow bureau chief, Andrew Osborn, says Russia has been clear that these kinds of restrictions would effectively cut ties with whichever country imposed them.
“…It would be very difficult to target Mr. Putin’s personal wealth, because as the Kremlin said today, officially speaking he’s not allowed to have any bank accounts or assets overseas, that’s a rule in Russia, so the Kremlin says it would be impossible to hurt Mr Putin in that way. // The other kind of sanction that they could go for is some kind of travel ban that would restrict Mr Putin’s movements to attend international events, again that would be an extraordinary step and Russia has been very clear that it would see this as, very seriously.”
Where is Putin’s wealth?
Like some other Russian officials, Putin is legally required to disclose his income and assets.
According to his most recent official report, the Kremlin leader earned just shy of 10 million roubles – that’s just over $126,000 – in 2020.
He also owns an apartment of around 829 square feet, two luxury Soviet Union-era sports cars, an off-road vehicle and a trailer.
The Kremlin also says Putin has access to a garage and a second large apartment.
“It’s hard to accurately estimate Mr Putin’s wealth, there are of course official declarations that he has made in the past which have set out what assets he owns, what property, vehicles, how much money he has in his Russian bank account. Critics say of course that these official declarations are only the tip of the iceberg and in fact Mr Putin is fabulously wealthy, and has properties abroad, in many different places and is one of the richest men in the world.”
Putin and the Kremlin have denied allegations that he has huge amounts of wealth abroad, saying that they are without any foundation.
Is that all Putin owns?
Putin’s most prominent domestic opponent Alexei Navalny, who is currently in jail, is one of those who has alleged that the Kremlin leader’s wealth is considerably larger.
He believes Putin has an opulent palace near the Black Sea coast, and other critics have also said that Putin’s wealth is held by a circle of loyal Russian business people on his behalf.
The Kremlin denies all of these claims.
FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a ceremony to present the Russian Hero of Labour gold medals and national awards at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS
Will sanctions hurt Putin?
The reality is that, in practice, sanctions might not change much for Russia’s president.
The Kremlin’s veteran spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, has said restrictions would not actually hurt Putin personally, and that because his assets are in Russia, they are out of reach.
He added that Putin’s salary income is also already under sanctions.
Essentially, the impact of any personal restrictions would depend on proving the existence of any further wealth – or seriously hitting the president’s freedom of movement.
In Short:
– Sean Combs sentenced to 50 months in prison for prostitution-related charges involving male escorts.
– Combs expressed remorse and plans to appeal the sentence, citing parental plea for leniency.
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to over four years in prison following his conviction for prostitution-related charges.
The sentence of 50 months was handed down by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan federal court. Combs, aged 55, was found guilty after a jury determined he arranged for male escorts to travel across state lines for drug-fueled sexual performances with his girlfriends.
Combs faced a maximum of 20 years but was acquitted of more severe charges, including racketeering, that could have led to a life sentence.
The allegations included claims that he coerced his girlfriends into participating in these encounters through threats and violence. Combs, who has been incarcerated since his 2024 arrest, is expected to appeal.
Emotional Statements
During the sentencing, Combs expressed remorse and stated he had learned his lesson. He acknowledged past abuses but maintained that the performances were consensual. His legal team argued for a reduced sentence of 14 months, citing his prior time served, while prosecutors advocated for a more extended sentence, highlighting the seriousness of the abuse.
Combs’ children also spoke during the proceedings, requesting leniency from the judge, stating that he had improved since his arrest. They pleaded for their father’s presence in their lives, with his daughter emotionally addressing the court.
The case has drawn significant media attention, marking Combs as a prominent figure facing serious charges in the entertainment industry.
In Short:
– Hamas is willing to release hostages but needs clarity on Trump’s peace plan.
– Negotiations continue, with Hamas requesting changes to disarmament and Israeli withdrawal terms.
Hamas has indicated a willingness to release the remaining hostages in Gaza, contingent on conditions linked to a broader peace agreement. The group’s response to mediators did not provide clarity on many aspects of President Trump’s 20-point peace plan.Hamas expressed gratitude for Trump’s peace efforts but sought specifics on issues like the timeline for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and assurances regarding the cessation of hostilities.
Trump welcomed the dialogue, urging Israel to pause its military actions while negotiations progress, which may exceed the Sunday deadline he set for a deal.
The group has agreed to release all prisoners associated with the occupation as part of Trump’s exchange proposal. However, Hamas maintains that discussions on Gaza’s future and the rights of the Palestinian populations require an inclusive Palestinian framework.
Reports suggest that 20 of the 48 hostages are still alive. Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk stated that the group needs further negotiations before committing fully to Trump’s plan and indicated that releasing the hostages in 72 hours is unrealistic.
Ongoing Negotiations
Trump’s peace initiative aims for the release of all hostages and proposes a transitional governance board for Gaza. While Hamas has shown some willingness to support the plan, it insists on modifications, particularly around disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Complexities within Hamas’s leadership further complicate consensus on the deal, as previous U.S. attempts to persuade the group have faltered.