Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the United States and its allies on Tuesday that he might cancel exports and deals in response to severe economic penalties placed on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.
Putin responded with his strongest move yet, signing a wide edict prohibiting the shipment of products and raw materials to people and businesses on a sanctions list that he ordered the government to compile within ten days.
The regulation, which took effect when it was published, provides Moscow the right to create havoc on markets by halting exports or terminating contracts with entities or individuals it has sanctioned at any time, as per a report from Reuters.
Beyond the Western politicians, it has already penalized, the Russian government has ten days to compile a list of people it will sanction.
Russia's Response to Unlawful Sanctions Imposed by the West
Putin portrayed the order as a reaction to what he described as illegal acts by the US and its allies aimed at stripping "the Russian Federation, Russian citizens, and Russian legal entities of property rights or restricting their property rights."
"Retaliatory special economic measures in connection with unfriendly actions of some foreign states and international organizations," as per the decree.
The US and its allies responded to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, by imposing the most severe sanctions on Russia and its oligarchs, which Putin considers a declaration of economic war.
The West's attempt to economically isolate Russia, one of the world's largest natural resource producers, has driven the world economy into unfamiliar ground, with surging prices and food scarcity concerns.
Meanwhile, per NBC News, the Donetsk regional governor reported that Russian forces bombarded a chemical factory in the eastern city of Avdiivka in Ukraine, killing ten individuals and injuring 15.
In a Telegram post, Pavlo Kyrylenko stated that the Russian troops "knew exactly where to aim." He said that the workers "just finished their shift" and were waiting for a bus to bring them home.
"Another cynical crime by Russians on our land," Kyrylenko said.
Watch Out for May 9
Experts are concerned that Putin will use May 9 to advance his Ukrainian agenda. The date is Victory Day in Russia, which commemorates Nazi Germany's defeat and the conclusion of World War II in Europe.
British Defense Minister Ben Wallace is concerned that Putin may use May 9 to push for a mass mobilization of the Russian people, which would mean the broadening of the conflict against Ukraine and escalation of Russia's tension with the US and NATO.
Putin will probably deliver a speech to blame the West for his difficulties and issue threats, including more nuclear bravado. It is also expected that he will deliver a call to action to the Russian people, per The Atlantic.
Analysts are worried that Putin will be eager to support his military in avenging its embarrassment in a war where every advantage, including size and geography, initially appeared to be on the Russians' side. But rather than a thunderous victory and a march on Kyiv, Russian troops have lost over 10,000 men, hundreds of tanks, and dozens of aircraft.
However, it is uncertain how much additional capacity the Russians could contribute to the battle, especially if mobilization demands a massive recruitment drive.
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