Publications

Since Feb. 21, unprecedented sanctions have not only targeted important sectors of the Russian economy but also frozen Russian central bank reserves. The idea was to impose severe economic pain on Russia and indirectly affect its ability to sustain a prolonged war. But today, the situation has reversed, and Russia is self-sanctioning by restricting its gas supplies to the EU. Instead of reaping the revenue from the gas sale over the long term, Russia is choosing to cut the gas flow.
By Oleg Korenok and Swapnil Singh

With the Russian ruble now trading at 55 rubles per dollar, well above where it was prior to the invasion, and Russia’s economic output not having collapsed, the initial optimism about the effectiveness of the unprecedented sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies has started to fade. Does that mean the sanctions regime has been a failure? We do not believe so.
By Oleg Korenok, Swapnil Singh, and Stan Veuger

Before significant funds are committed to Ukraine’s reconstruction, it is important to determine who will control and direct the money and how the recovery will be structured. Internal and external transparency will be crucial, as well as planning for a project that could take years.
By Yuriy Gorodonichenko, Anastassia Fedyk, and Ilona Sologoub

A growing number of U.S. and European firms have chosen to voluntarily cease or suspend their operations in Russia. Are these firms’ managers deciding to divest to help Ukraine and punish Russia? Or are they divesting to help their own firms, under pressure from investors? Our results suggest the latter.
By Anastassia Fedyk & Tetyana Balyuk