Switzerland breaks neutrality and comprehensively adopts EU sanctions against Russia

Switzerland is going to fully retake the economic sanctions adopted by the European Union (EU) against Russia for the invasion of Ukraine, reported the president of the Helvetic Confederation, Ignazio Cassis, breaking the neutrality that characterized this country in previous wars.

These measures include sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, involving the freezing of funds, but also against Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

“This is a big step for Switzerland”, a traditionally neutral country, said the leader, adding that the Federal Council made this decision “with conviction, in a thoughtful and unequivocal way”.

Ueli Maurer, the Minister of Finance stressed that blocking the assets of people who are on the EU blacklist has a “immediate effect”

Swiss authorities – who seemed hesitant to apply sanctions after the invasion – had been under heavy pressure for days to align with the EU and the United States.

For her part, the Minister of Justice, Karin Keller-Sutter, indicated that in addition five Russian or Ukrainian tycoons “very close to Vladimir Putin” and with very important links in Switzerland “are prohibited from entering Switzerland”.

These people – whose identity was not disclosed – do not have a residence permit in Switzerland but they have important “economic links especially in finance and in the business of raw materials”, he added.

The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, said that he was “very happy” because without the Swiss, the sanctions would have been “less effective”.

Switzerland also closed its airspace from Monday to all flights from Russia, including private planes, but “with the exception of flights for humanitarian, medical or diplomatic purposes,” a statement said.

However, the Federal Council states that “Switzerland will continue to examine each new package of sanctions imposed by the EU individually”.

Monaco

For its part, the Principality of Monaco announced that it will join the EU sanctions against Russia and that it will adopt “Without delay” the procedures to freeze the funds of personalities and apply economic sanctions identical to those taken by their European colleagues.

Following the example of Switzerland -which this Monday broke its traditional neutrality to apply “fully” EU sanctions against members of the Russian Government with assets in their country-, the sovereign Prince Albert II of Monaco announced the adoption of the same sanctions “in accordance with its international commitments”.

“The Principality of Monaco reaffirms its adherence to respect for international law, sovereignty, integrity and independence of States. Considers that disagreements and conflicts should only be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy”, the monarch said in a statement.

In the note, the Monaco authorities did not specify who will be affected by this measure, although there are well-known figures, such as businessman Dmitri Rybolovlev, owner of AS Monaco.

Albert II of Monaco firmly condemned the invasion of Ukraine, conveyed his solidarity with the Ukrainian people, victims of military operations and bombing, and called for a ceasefire.

In addition, he said he supported all initiatives that seek to stop the fighting, return to consultations and the withdrawal of Russian forces from the territory.

As for humanitarian aid, the Principality is ready to support humanitarian organizations engaged on the ground.