Almost all money Russia has received has been in the form of loans, which simply make problems worse. While any money given to Russia is wasted, loans are particularly damaging because ever-increasing loan payments impede Russia's ability to spend money where it is needed most. Russia needs humanitarian aid, not more loans and interest payments. Unfortunately, the United States, through our 20 percent interest in the International Monetary Fund, has only perpetuated the problems. Rather than trying to help Russia adapt its system slowly, we have insisted that it attempt rapid transitions which have repeatedly failed, and we have given huge loans with the associated huge interest payments.
Any money given to Russia accomplishes nothing.
It simply reinforces organized crime's dominance over all aspects of the Russian economy. Until organized crime is eliminated, a portion of all profits goes to corrupt leaders who use the money to further their control. The United States must take a new approach. We need to send a message to Russia that until they are able to control the dominance of corruption, they will not receive any more money from us. This does not mean the United States should turn its back on Russia, though.