Switzerland has expanded the sanctions list by joining the new EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus, the Swiss government said, UNN reports.
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"The Federal Department of Economics, Education and Research (EAER), as the competent authority for sanctions, has expanded the sanctions list against Russia and Belarus. Switzerland thus adopts the additional sanctions adopted by the EU in response to Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine and the situation in Belarus. The changes will come into force on December 24," the statement said.
As indicated, the EU took new measures against Russia on December 16 as part of its 15th package of sanctions in response to Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine and its destabilizing actions that undermine Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and security. "The EAER has followed suit by expanding the list of sanctions under its jurisdiction," the statement said.
According to the latest lists, 54 individuals and 30 companies and organizations are now reportedly subject to sanctions with asset freezes and prohibitions on the provision of funds, economic resources or technical services. The newly sanctioned individuals, who are mostly members of the military, executives of energy sector companies, and those responsible for deporting children or spreading propaganda and disinformation, are also banned from entering and transiting Switzerland. The 30 companies and organizations recently added to the sanctions lists are mainly Russian defense contractors and shipping companies that transport Russian oil and oil products.
In addition, 52 vessels are prohibited from providing integrated services. These are mainly tankers that are part of Russia's shadow fleet and circumvent the price ceiling for Russian oil and oil products or transport military goods for Russia or stolen grain from Ukraine. In the commercial sector, another 32 organizations were also placed under stricter export controls.
The EAER further endorsed individual financial sanctions imposed by the EU on Belarus as part of its sanctions regime against the country due to the situation in the country. The measures concern 26 individuals and 2 organizations from Belarus, which were subject to asset freezes and a ban on the provision of funds, economic resources or technical services.
"The list of sanctions imposed by Switzerland in connection with Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and the situation in Belarus is fully in line with the EU list," the government said.