> a lot of people seem ok with punishing Russian individuals for the actions of the government.
Its easy to say that but you have to look at the bigger picture.
It's easy to say "just punish the government / the oligarchs", but as most Westerners know, these people have become extraordinarily adept at hiding their money and distributing their assets. So it is very difficult indeed to target them per-se, hence you need to make it difficult to move money/assets around, sell assets and gain new money/assets.
You also need to look at the even bigger problem. How do we stop Russia attacking Ukraine ?
Nobody wants World War 3. Even the Americans who are usually keen to test out their latest toys are being remarkably disciplined about sitting on their hands.
So, you don't want to engage in a direct fight with the Russians, what's left on the table ?
Diplomacy ? Well, they've tried and are trying, but not much light at the end of that tunnel as of yet.
So your only option left is to accept that running a war needs two things, money and supplies. If both of those dry up then its only a matter of time before the war grinds to a halt too.
Hence you end up doing things that affect banks, the central bank, transport and logistics.
Regrettably its not just about targeting the military and the government, you have to target the supporting structures too (food, parts, consumables), hence you need to go big and go fast on sanctions.
Yes your average Russian will get caught up in the sanctions. Yes it will be difficult and unpleasant for families.
But frankly the alternative, full-blown war across Europe and the potential for nuclear bombs being used is unfathomably worse for everyone both inside Russia and outside.