TODAY: Sanctions hit hard, but unlikely to influence Moscow; Russia begins military exercises near Ukraine border; 400 troops leaving Ukraine for Russia ‘are PoWs’; inflation finally decreasing, but still higher than targets; Kasparov, Gessen, Putin video hoax.

In retaliation for Western sanctions against Russia, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin wants Russia to issue a full import replacement to help it ‘become completely independent’, and slammed ‘unprecedented pressure on our country’, as more U.S. products were added to Russia’s blacklist, including America’s Kentucky Gentleman bourbon.  But despite palpable effects on the Russian economy, U.S. sanctions have not led to any policy changes in Moscow, noted a White House spokesperson – and they aren’t likely to in the future, either; Putin ally Gennady Timchenko says business leaders in Russia will not put pressure on their president to change course; and analysts agree that those close to Putin are too dependent on him to revolt.  Sanctions caused tour operator Labyrinth to collapse this week, leaving 27,000 of its Russian clients stranded in foreign resorts.  But Europe’s energy sanctions, at least, are more theatrical than anything else, says Reuters, and are primarily aimed at keeping costs to EU energy firms as low as possible.  Japan has approved additional sanctions, including individual asset freezes, and a ban on Crimean imports; and Kiev is preparing a list of 500 Russian cultural figures who will be banned from its territory.