Sanctions Busting: The Role of Various States in Russia’s Resistance to Sanctions

This chapter delves into the concept of “sanctions busting” and explores the roles played by various countries in alleviating the impact of sanctions on Russia as a target nation. Borozna and Kochtcheeva demonstrate that despite strong support for sanctions from Western countries, a significant portion of the international community has chosen to maintain trade relationships with Russia and adopt a neutral stance in the ongoing situation. China, in particular, has been critical of sanctions and has offered political support to Moscow while expanding trade links. Furthermore, numerous European and Asian businesses have actively explored ways to circumvent sanctions, effectively providing Russia with restricted goods. This chapter sheds light on the complex dynamics of international relations in the context of sanctions and how various nations and businesses have responded to the sanctions’ regime targeting Russia.