What action did the U.S. and Western Allies take after Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine?

• A. Imposed heavy sanctions
• B. Deployed major troops
• C. Recognized annexation
• D. Withdrew all support

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the immediate Western response focused on economic pressure designed to raise the costs of the invasion and undermine Russia’s ability to wage war, rather than launching a ground campaign inside Ukraine. Heavy sanctions were deployed across financial, energy, and technology sectors, freezing assets of leaders and elites, cutting off access to parts of the international financial system, and restricting high-tech exports. These measures aimed to constrain Russia’s economy and military capability quickly and signaling strong international disapproval. While Western countries did bolster defense postures and supply Ukraine with weapons and aid, they did not send major ground troops into Ukrainian territory, and they did not recognize any annexations. They also continued support rather than withdrawing it. So, the best answer is that heavy sanctions were imposed.