Economic Fighters: The Volunteers Directing Sanctions Against Russia
In a remarkable shift from traditional state-led efforts, civil society groups and individual volunteers from across the globe are playing a pivotal role in shaping sanctions against Russia, aiming to cripple its war machine in Ukraine. This grassroots movement, often dubbed the "economic fighters," has identified critical vulnerabilities in Russia's supply chains, influencing policy decisions in Washington and Brussels.
Uncovering Critical Weaknesses
The journey began in August 2022 when Olena Yurchenko, a 22-year-old Ukrainian analyst forced to flee to Latvia, discovered a crucial gap in Russia's military manufacturing. While browsing a Russian-language forum, she learned about computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, essential for precision manufacturing of components like tank hulls and missile casings. Yurchenko found that Russia does not produce these machines and relies heavily on imports.
After over a year of investigation and advocacy, her efforts led the EU and the Biden administration to add CNC machines to sanctions lists. This move resulted in a 2025 fine against US manufacturer Haas Automation. Although sanctions have not halted production, they have forced Russia to seek lower-quality alternatives, with 80% now sourced from China, compared to 70% from the West previously, and to resort to smuggling through Belarus and Central Asia.
A Global Coalition of Volunteers
More than in any prior conflict, this loose coalition of international volunteers has directly impacted over three dozen rounds of US and EU sanctions since Russia's full-scale invasion. These sanctions target thousands of entities, from defence firms to plastic makers, with many precise actions identified not by officials but by civil society.
Key organisations include Ukraine's Economic Security Council (ESCU), with its team of eight analysts, and groups like DeKleptocracy in the US. This network spans Americans, Europeans, and even Russians, united in mapping supply chains that sustain the war, such as Arctic barges from Singapore and chromium from Kazakhstan.
Official Recognition and Impact
Government officials acknowledge the vital role of these volunteers. Simon Kjeldsen, Denmark's sanctions coordinator, noted that civil society groups have inspired many sanctions packages, closing loopholes with their investigative precision. Laura Cooper, a former US defence official, highlighted their ability to drill into niche areas like energy or banking violations, complementing overworked government agencies.
While sanctions have not ended the war, they have eroded Russia's capacities over time. The EU's sanctions envoy recently stated that Russia's efforts are becoming "unsustainable" due to economic distortions. Ilona Khmeleva, secretary of ESCU, likened sanctions to "little cuts" that, in accumulation, can hinder Russia's war efforts.
Targeting Key Materials
Volunteers have pinpointed other critical vulnerabilities. Andrew Fink, a former US defence contractor, discovered Russia's reliance on imported diesel engines and mechanical lubricant additives, chemicals essential for motor oil in mechanised warfare. His findings led to campaigns to restrict exports from Chinese and Korean manufacturers.
In 2024, ESCU successfully pushed the EU to block chromium exports to Russia, a metal vital for plating artillery barrels. Similarly, in 2022, DeKleptocracy helped sanction Arctic-going vessels needed for Russia's Arctic LNG 2 project, delaying it for years until Russia recently acquired its first ice-class tanker.
A Lasting Legacy
This collaboration between governments and civil society may outlast the current conflict. Denmark has initiated a project with the Kyiv School of Economics to establish a "sanctions hub of excellence," focusing on economic resilience. Cooper emphasised that this approach harnesses global public outrage, marking a new era in economic warfare where volunteers play a central role in holding aggressors accountable.
