As of: 02/28/2022 4:17 p.m
Russia is increasingly isolated economically: Switzerland has now joined the international sanctions. The traditionally neutral country had previously come under increasing pressure to act.
Switzerland joins European Union sanctions against Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. The government of the neutral country said that the assets of listed individuals and companies were blocked with immediate effect.
The financial sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov would also be implemented with immediate effect. This is Switzerland’s response to the serious violations of international law for which these people are responsible. In addition, in accordance with the measures in other European countries, Swiss airspace will be closed from 3 p.m. for all flights from Russia and for all flight movements of aircraft with Russian license plates.
Criticized for reference to neutrality
The Swiss government had previously hesitated to impose harsh sanctions on Russia, citing the country’s traditional neutrality. This hesitation had been sharply criticized at home and abroad.
Against the background of ongoing Russian attacks in Ukraine, the western community of states is trying to further isolate Russia. The EU imposed severe sanctions on the Russian central bank during the night, followed by the USA in the afternoon. Britain announced a similar move. Japan and South Korea joined Russia’s exclusion from the international financial settlement system SWIFT.