Twerking for Putin? Failed trade restrictions.

• Author: Evans, Zenon
• Position: Citings - Vladimir Putin on economic sanctions in Russia - Brief article

WHEN RUSSIA annexed Crimea in March, the Obama administration promised to put the hurt on Russia for violating Ukraine's sovereignty. "It can get ugly fast," Secretary of State John Kerry warned, "and it can get ugly in multiple directions." The president's weapon of choice: economic sanctions against Russia's powerful oligarchs. The administration described the measure as "targeted" financial attacks, but unintended fallout from the policy nearly stopped Miley Cyrus and Justin Timberlake from singing in Finland.

The pop performers were set to play in the Nordic nation in May and June at a venue, the Hartwall Arena, that happens to be owned by three members of Russian President Vladimir Putin's "inner circle," according to Washington's economic hit list. As David Johnson of Washington...