Have the Sanctions on Russia Gone Too Far?

Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the US, the EU and their allies have been imposing tough economic sanctions on Moscow with the aim of stopping its “special military operations” in Kyiv.

Also ReadRussian or Ukrainian? Video of Singing Soldier Triggers Debate

Multiple sanctions were imposed on Russian Banks, officials and billionaires and Russian assets in multiple world banks were frozen. Russia was also banned from participating in the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest and the Russian football clubs and national teams have been suspended from all FIFA and UEFA competitions following the invasion of Ukraine.

However, what was most shocking to people is when FIFe (Fédération Internationale Féline), which is an international cat fancier association, imposed sanctions on cats bred in Russia.

The FIFe said in a statement: “Many innocent people have been killed, many more have been injured, and hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have been forced to escape their homes in order to save their lives. We can all see the devastation and turmoil brought about by this unparalleled act of assault.”

According to FIFe, the limits are in effect until May 31 and will be revisited as needed. The associate has also said it intends to allocate a separate budget to help cat breeders and fanciers in Ukraine.

The sanctions on Russian cats were met with various reactions on social media as some people said that sanctions on Moscow have crossed the red lines and gone too far. A person commented: “This is a joke right?” another one mockingly said: “their cats manipulated them to do what they're doing.”

Not only Russian cats, but Russian and Belarusian athletes are also banned from the Beijing Winter Paralympics, the International Paralympic Committee announced, citing the war in Ukraine.