The sanctions debate should look beyond simple economic measures to consider the long-term risks. Sanctions are not just a cheap, non-violent way of signaling — however futile — public disapproval. Economic costs are not their only downside. The result of sanctions has been a Moscow with greater incentive and ability to pursue future military incursions, enjoying the unquestioned approval of an isolated domestic public, and the economic resistance to weather future restrictions.
Yes, the sanctions have not worked The NATO alliance is a naval power not a continental power. Russia is an Asian continental power which can ship internally, not affected by oceans. Now considering those facts, how would the west ever be able to stop intracontinental trade? Can’t effectively be done, can it? They can just go around the sanctions, witness BRICS and other organizations.