Editorial Board
Russia Sanctions Won’t Work If Trump Doesn’t Back Them Up
The president’s refusal to condemn Putin undermines any economic penalties.
Hands off.
Photographer: Chris McGrath/Getty Images
The Trump administration’s new sanctions against Russia, imposed last week in response to the poisoning in the U.K. of a former Russian spy and his daughter, are welcome. They are also confusing, contrasting as they do the words and behavior of President Donald Trump himself, who has repeatedly and publicly lavished praise on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
One hopes the real U.S. strategy is to stand strong against Russia’s transgressions. But unless the president speaks up forcefully, no amount of punishment will deter Putin from his agenda.