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following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, it is crucial to consider the "pre-existing conditions." Specifically, these were the sanctions already in place as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2014 and the annexation of Crimea. [...] The forward-looking nature of sanctions, coupled with their uneven application and the ability to circumvent financing limitations through Chinese entities, have all been reasons behind limited impact of 2014-2017 sanctions on the performance of the Russian oil and gas sector. [...] The second major adjustment in response to the EU dependence on Russian energy has been lack of sanctions on Russian natural gas flows to the EU as the latter lacks sufficient alternatives. [...] Also, the lack of cutting-edge technology and the phenomenon of "brain drain," with skilled professionals emigrating to seek better opportunities, is likely to impact the efficiency, quality, and innovation of Russia's energy sector in the long term. [...] Conclusions The success of tough sanctions and Transatlantic unity relies not just on the imposition of measures but equally on robust and strict enforcement.11 The lack of enforcement not only diminishes the intended impact of the sanctions on reducing Russian capability to support their 11 See, for example: The International Group on Russian Sanctions, Using Energy Sanctions to Shorten the War,.