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The U.S. must continue to apply economic pressure on Russia through sanctions to help end its aggression on Ukraine. Responding to Russian aggression and protecting international norms: The most significant driver of sanctions has been Russia's military actions, particularly its annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The U.S. and its allies see these actions as a direct violation of a country's sovereignty and a threat to the global order. By imposing sanctions, the U.S. aims to punish Russia for its aggression, increase the costs of its war, and deter future military expansion by Russia and other potential aggressors. Weakening Russia's military and economic capacity: Sanctions are designed to cripple Russia's ability to wage war. They target key sectors of the Russian economy, including its financial, energy, and defense industries. The goal is to reduce Russia's oil and gas revenue, limit its access to high-tech components for its military, and make it harder for the Kremlin to finance its war machine. Holding Russia accountable for other malign activities: Beyond the war in Ukraine, the U.S. has also sanctioned Russia for other actions it deems harmful to its interests and international security. These include malicious cyber activities, interference in foreign elections, human rights abuses, and the use of chemical weapons. Sanctions are a tool to impose consequences and signal that such behavior will not be tolerated. Demonstrating leadership and strengthening alliances: The U.S. often coordinates its sanctions with a coalition of allies, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and others. This multilateral approach shows a united front against Russian actions and reinforces the importance of international partnerships. By leading these efforts, the U.S. demonstrates its commitment to global security and its role as a key player in international relations. Protecting U.S. economic and national security: While the U.S. has a limited direct trade relationship with Russia, its national interests are still at stake. Unchecked Russian aggression could lead to broader conflicts that destabilize global markets, disrupt energy supplies, and threaten U.S. allies. Sanctions are a way to manage these risks and protect U.S. economic and security interests in the long term.