Abstract
The United States (U.S.) and its western allies have been increasing their pressure on Russia in response to the conflict in Ukraine. Undercutting Russian government finances is a priority for them. Energy exports are a key source of income for the Russian economy, and several different strategies have been employed (with varying degrees of success) to choke off the flow of petrodollars into Russia. Voluntary reductions by Western trading firms have been offset by increased purchases in the East by China and India. There are also more technical difficulties associated with payment vehicles and access to insurance for tankers that have created logistical obstacles.
