- Can the U.S. really reduce the Russian ruble to rubble? In the long run, Russia could suffer permanent economic damage from sanctions and lose its ability to wield oil and gas as a political weapon. But at what cost to the West? https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/short-term-russia-may-able-cope-sanctions-long-term-different-rcna22071 19 comments worldnews