The West’s financial weapons are lacking their goal. Final month Russia exported near-record volumes of oil, at a good value. However there’s one exception. After shutting its predominant fuel pipeline to Europe in 2022, Russia had hoped that Arctic LNG 2, an ultra-modern export facility, would open massive new markets. But final month the plant suspended operations till subsequent summer season, for need of ships and consumers. Sanctions are nipping it within the bud.