Categories

Ads
Switzerland drops neutrality and moves forward with sanctions against Russia
GettyImages 1237879942
Share this:

Switzerland, which traditionally remains on the sidelines of international conflicts and disputes, announced this Monday that it will apply the sanctions adopted by the European Union against Russia.

Switzerland is preparing to freeze the assets of Russian people and institutions included in the European Union’s list of 367 entities to be sanctioned following the military offensive against Ukraine. The assets of Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are also covered, the Swiss Government announced.

In a note released today, the Alpine executive explains that “taking into account Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine, the Federal Council – the cabinet of seven ministers that governs the country – took the decision, on February 28, to adopt the package of sanctions imposed by the EU on the 23rd and 25th of February”.

“Switzerland reaffirms its solidarity with Ukraine and its people”, underlines the statement from the Swiss Government, quoted by the newspaper El Pais. The country will provide assistance to refugees who have traveled to Poland, the document adds.

Switzerland is one of the favorite destinations for the money of the great Russian oligarchs and the official figures from Swiss banks showed, in 2020, deposits totaling more than eleven billion dollars, according to figures quoted by the New York Times. On the other hand, and since Switzerland is a center for the global trade of raw materials, a large group of companies are present in that country that, in particular, sell Russian oil.

Also on Monday, Switzerland followed the example of other European countries and decided to close its airspace to flights originating in Russia. Future sanctions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The Alpine Executive also maintains the offer to serve as a mediator between the two countries.

Source: with agencies

Share this:
Comments
All comments.
Comments