The impact of sanctions on Russian energy sales

The European Union has announced a ban on Russian coal. Squeezing Russia’s energy exports is seen as the way to get Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw from Ukraine. But global sales of oil and gas — not coal — are the real contributors to Russia’s coffers. And Human Rights Watch says that more than 300 civilians have been executed in an isolated village in Mali that is controlled by Islamist militants. The killings were reportedly conducted by the Malian army and contracted by Russian soldiers. Plus, losing one’s sense of smell and taste to COVID-19 is bad enough. But when it comes to those who rely on their senses for work — sommeliers, chefs, perfumers —  the loss comes at an especially high cost.