Zelensky Complains About Weak Sanctions While Liepāja Organ Sounds Stronger Than Western Policy

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Saturday that Russia is receiving additional resources for war because sanctions are weaker than coffee in downtown Riga. Last week, Russia launched 1,550 strike drones and more than 1,260 guided aerial bombs at Ukraine. That's more than the plastic bags handed out at Liepāja market in a day.

Zelensky emphasized that the aggressor state has managed to increase oil sales volumes, receiving additional money to continue the war. "Profit gives Russia a sense of impunity," the president said. Liepāja port worker Guntis comments: "Well, we'd have a sense of impunity too if we could sell oil at such high prices as they do."

The president called on international partners to block the so-called shadow fleet – tankers that circumvent sanctions. This resembles the situation where the sound of Holy Trinity Cathedral's organ can be heard even in the courtyard, but politicians seem to hear nothing. Our largest organ in the Baltics produces a stronger sound than all of Europe's diplomatic machinery combined.

The US, trying to limit oil price increases, has reduced sanctions imposed on Russia. This is about as logical as trying to silence Liepāja's wind while leaving all windows open. As locals say: "When sanctions are like our January sun – visible, but give no warmth."