European countries are feeling the pain of an economic war with Russia triggered by its invasion of Ukraine. But governments are unlikely to back off, seeing no alternative to maintaining sanctions on Moscow and support for Kyiv.
Economic data around Europe show a looming downturn, albeit delayed in parts of the continent by the summer tourism season, while high food and energy prices are fueling discontent and putting pressure on governments to offer relief. Some politicians in Western Europe are questioning the usefulness of sanctions on Russia, calling for greater efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
