The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday, May 4, edition that since the start of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago, the West has imposed thousands of sanctions. The Globe's Eric Reguly writes that it seems the sanctions have caused only minor damage so far. The Russian economy grew by 3.6 per cent in 2023, which led to record lows in unemployment. The Kremlin is still facing issues. Gazprom, the world's largest natural gas exporter that is controlled by the state, is currently struggling. It recently reported its first annual loss in over 20 years due to the collapse of European sales. Its net loss in 2023 was equivalent to $6.9-billion, with revenues falling by 27 per cent (all figures U.S.). The value of Gazprom's shares has significantly decreased on the Moscow stock exchange. In the year 2021 its market value was $109-billion. However, presently it has declined to about $40-billion. In the past, Gazprom was one of the most valuable companies listed on the stock exchange, but today, its value is less than one-tenth of Exxon Mobil. Interestingly, Canada's Suncor Energy now has a higher market value than Gazprom.