Western sanctions are so tight that Russia and China could soon use an ancient trading system. It's worked before.

• Russia and China could revive barter trade to counter Western sanctions, Reuters reported.
• Other countries that have looked at barter trade with Russia include Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and India.
• Barter trade would allow Russia to bypass sanctions but could pose accounting challenges.

Russia and China are planning to revive the age-old practice of barter trade to get around Western sanctions, Reuters reported on Thursday.