Switzerland joins sixth round of EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus

New Delhi: Switzerland has supported the European Union’s decision to adopt the sixth package of sanctions, including an embargo on crude oil, against Russia and Belarus, the government said in a statement on its website.

“On June 10, the Federal Council took the decision to adopt new EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus,” said the statement. The government instructed the Federal Department of Economic Affairs “to adopt the Ordinance on measures in connection with the situation in Ukraine,” according to the statement.

The government “approved the sanctioning of over 100 further Russian and Belorussian individuals and entities.” “The Swiss list of sanctioned individuals and entities is thus identical to that of the EU,” the government said.

The EU’s sixth package of restrictions, adopted on June 3, includes an embargo on crude oil and certain refined petroleum products from Russia. In the financial sector, the provision of audit and business consulting services is now prohibited.

Switzerland, which is not an EU member, has joined all European sanctions against Russia over its special military operation in Ukraine, despite its neutral status. Russia approved, on March 7, a list of countries engaging in activities it considers unfriendly, and Switzerland is on that list. Relation of all countries with Russia spoiled after its attack on Ukraine.