

That is exactly what they mean.
Sanctions work less effectively the more they are used, and Biden already unleashed extreme sanctions against them in the starting days of the war.
It seriously fucked with their economy, which is why they then took steps to sanction-proof themselves.
Freedom from threats of US sanctions is a big part of the impetus of BRICS.
A big part of why they earn MORE from their gas now then before the war is India, a supposed ally and one that should be enforcing the sanctions but won’t because they’re not willing to commit economic suicide for the US.
Never assume your enemy is stupid or doesn’t get a say in how they respond to your attacks.
Primer