Navalny’s jailing will produce stronger reactions from West which will likely to defer more concrete penalties. Some countries called for travel bans and freezing asset of individuals who have involved in Navalny case and broader sanctions on Russian economic sector. So far US and EU have selectively applied to sanctions to individual and economic sector that would give maximum damage financially. However, they have failed to alter the Kremlin’s antagonostoc behavior abroad or democratic suppression in Russia. Like in anti-democratic states, Putin has successfully portrayed these sanctions as a siege to a strong country which is unwilling to divert from the interest of Russia.
There are not many options that EU and US have against Moscow other than Navalny himself. Navalny seems to be a bargaining chip that Russia would like to use against. In return of Navalny freedom, Moscow might get some relaxation on sanctions which would boost the Russian economy in short-term. However, it is remained to be seen.
