The Ukrainian Bureaucrat Working to Squeeze Russia’s War Machine

NYT Homepage

by Constant Méheut

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Ukraine's commissioner for sanctions policy, has been working tirelessly over the past four years to persuade Western allies to tighten economic sanctions against Russia in an effort to undermine its war machine. As a key figure in Kyiv's strategy, Vlasiuk believes that sustained pressure from Western nations could force Russia to compromise and withdraw from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. His efforts have recently gained momentum, with hopes that 2026 might mark a turning point in his mission. In mid-January, Vlasiuk hosted a meeting with Western ambassadors where he presented data highlighting countries that had yet to impose sanctions on major Russian oil companies and pointed out the presence of Western-made components in Russian weapons. These revelations underscored the need for increased pressure on Russia. Despite initial challenges, as Russia's economy has shown signs of strain due to rising costs and reduced access to resources, there are growing expectations that these measures may finally begin to weaken Moscow's war capabilities. The importance of Vlasiuk's work cannot be overstated. Ukraine relies heavily on Western support, both in terms of military aid and economic sanctions. Without this pressure, peace negotiations mediated by the U.S. have shown little progress, leaving many to believe that only through sustained economic strain can Russia be compelled to seek a resolution. As the situation evolves, Vlasiuk's efforts remain central to Ukraine's strategy for ending the conflict and ensuring long-term stability in Eastern Europe. This story highlights the critical role of economic sanctions as a tool of diplomacy and warfare, offering insights into how financial pressure can influence geopolitical dynamics. For readers interested in international relations and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, understanding Vlasiuk's work provides valuable context on the strategies being employed to counter Russian aggression.

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/23/2026