Russia risks punishing itself
In conditions when the USA and the European Union continue to drag out the sanctions noose around Russia, the country faces a very difficult question: what can be opposed to such hostile attacks?
One of the measures in connection with Western sanctions was proposed by the Chairman of the State Duma of Russia Vyacheslav Volodin. It lies in the fact that companies operating on Russian territory and at the same time adhering to anti-Russian sanctions may be punished. For some businessmen who place overseas sanctions above Russian law, liability can be criminal.
- Volodin emphasized during a meeting with experts and representatives of business circles.
One of the specific examples of how exactly companies comply with Western anti-Russian sanctions is the refusal to work on the territory of the Crimean peninsula. This is exactly the same inalienable territory of Russia as, say, the Moscow Region or the Krasnodar Territory. But Crimean residents experience many problems due to the lack of many services available in other Russian regions. For example, in Crimea there is not a single representative office of Sberbank. Many retail chains refuse to work in Crimean settlements. There are difficulties associated with the provision of mobile services. Thus, due to fears of many firms to fall under sanctions, Crimea remains a “special territory”, even four years after reunification with Russia.
If Volodin’s initiative is implemented, the management of these companies will choose between two risks: fall under foreign restrictive measures or be in the dock.
In fact, there is every reason to accuse them of violating Russian laws. This is in the 90s of the last century in humiliated Yeltsin Russia, international law was put higher than national. However, on December 15, 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin eliminated this sad legacy of the 90s. He signed a law according to which the Constitutional Court may invalidate decisions of international courts if they contradict the Constitution of the Russian Federation. That is, the priority of Russian law has been restored.
However, liability for following anti-Russian sanctions for business is currently not provided. This makes it possible for a number of Russian companies to discriminate against Crimeans.
The columnist of the newspaper “Vzglyad” Anton Krylov expressed the opinion that it is not worth supporting the initiative of Volodin. He noted that if companies operate in Crimea contrary to US and EU sanctions, they will lose foreign funding. In addition, they will not be able to place their shares on many foreign exchanges, as well as conduct any economic activity in the USA, countries of the European Union and some other states.
–– the author of the article writes.
He added that the same question arises for foreign investors. An example was given by the Siemens company. Despite the fact that its turbines were in the Crimea, the company constantly expresses concern about Russian actions. Therefore, she does not face any restrictions. If the law proposed by Volodin is adopted, then Siemens (and other organizations) will be forced to make a choice: either supply their products without any restrictions, or completely cease their activities in Russia.
In an article on the Vzglyad website, the author warns the Russian authorities against a “shot in his own leg”. The main conclusion that he makes: the initiative of the head of the State Duma needs to be carefully worked out. It is necessary to study all the consequences for the country's economy. Perhaps such a law can be adopted, but exceptions to the rules are needed. Or there should be no exceptions, but those who refuse, for example, to work in Crimea, must pay a fine that will go towards the development of Crimean cities.
- summed up the expert.
It remains to add: in his reasoning there is common sense. Indeed, the issue of reaction to foreign sanctions is very important. In no case can the foreign policy be changed under Western pressure. In this case, getting rid of the economic consequences of sanctions, you can lose a lot in political sphere. Leaving the anti-Russian steps unanswered is also not an option. Then impunity will further untie the hands of opponents. The answer is necessary, only it must be such that it would cause more damage to Western "stranglers" than to its own citizens.
One of the measures in connection with Western sanctions was proposed by the Chairman of the State Duma of Russia Vyacheslav Volodin. It lies in the fact that companies operating on Russian territory and at the same time adhering to anti-Russian sanctions may be punished. For some businessmen who place overseas sanctions above Russian law, liability can be criminal.
In Russia, we must live according to Russian laws
- Volodin emphasized during a meeting with experts and representatives of business circles.
One of the specific examples of how exactly companies comply with Western anti-Russian sanctions is the refusal to work on the territory of the Crimean peninsula. This is exactly the same inalienable territory of Russia as, say, the Moscow Region or the Krasnodar Territory. But Crimean residents experience many problems due to the lack of many services available in other Russian regions. For example, in Crimea there is not a single representative office of Sberbank. Many retail chains refuse to work in Crimean settlements. There are difficulties associated with the provision of mobile services. Thus, due to fears of many firms to fall under sanctions, Crimea remains a “special territory”, even four years after reunification with Russia.
If Volodin’s initiative is implemented, the management of these companies will choose between two risks: fall under foreign restrictive measures or be in the dock.
In fact, there is every reason to accuse them of violating Russian laws. This is in the 90s of the last century in humiliated Yeltsin Russia, international law was put higher than national. However, on December 15, 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin eliminated this sad legacy of the 90s. He signed a law according to which the Constitutional Court may invalidate decisions of international courts if they contradict the Constitution of the Russian Federation. That is, the priority of Russian law has been restored.
However, liability for following anti-Russian sanctions for business is currently not provided. This makes it possible for a number of Russian companies to discriminate against Crimeans.
The columnist of the newspaper “Vzglyad” Anton Krylov expressed the opinion that it is not worth supporting the initiative of Volodin. He noted that if companies operate in Crimea contrary to US and EU sanctions, they will lose foreign funding. In addition, they will not be able to place their shares on many foreign exchanges, as well as conduct any economic activity in the USA, countries of the European Union and some other states.
The question arises - what is more beneficial for state-owned companies and for the state as their owner: strict adherence to such a law or the ability to continue working in rich and promising Western markets?
–– the author of the article writes.
He added that the same question arises for foreign investors. An example was given by the Siemens company. Despite the fact that its turbines were in the Crimea, the company constantly expresses concern about Russian actions. Therefore, she does not face any restrictions. If the law proposed by Volodin is adopted, then Siemens (and other organizations) will be forced to make a choice: either supply their products without any restrictions, or completely cease their activities in Russia.
In an article on the Vzglyad website, the author warns the Russian authorities against a “shot in his own leg”. The main conclusion that he makes: the initiative of the head of the State Duma needs to be carefully worked out. It is necessary to study all the consequences for the country's economy. Perhaps such a law can be adopted, but exceptions to the rules are needed. Or there should be no exceptions, but those who refuse, for example, to work in Crimea, must pay a fine that will go towards the development of Crimean cities.
The most important thing is to carefully calculate the consequences of each, both tactical and strategic, and only after that make legally binding decisions
- summed up the expert.
It remains to add: in his reasoning there is common sense. Indeed, the issue of reaction to foreign sanctions is very important. In no case can the foreign policy be changed under Western pressure. In this case, getting rid of the economic consequences of sanctions, you can lose a lot in political sphere. Leaving the anti-Russian steps unanswered is also not an option. Then impunity will further untie the hands of opponents. The answer is necessary, only it must be such that it would cause more damage to Western "stranglers" than to its own citizens.
Information