[Distinguished] Prof. Etel Solingen from the University of California, [Irvine], School of Social Sciences told BBC News that targeted sanctions on luxury goods might target those closely linked to the upper levels of power in Russia. "Who can afford to buy luxury items in Russia? ... It may be a small fraction of Russia's growing penalties for what it has unleashed on the Ukraine, but they target a constituency that is better positioned to express discontent," she said. She described brands making supportive comments on social media while supplying luxury goods as "hypocritical".

For the full story, please visit https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60627393.