Switzerland Expands Sanctions Against Russia in Line with EU's Latest Measures

Switzerland expanded its sanctions listings against Russia on July 8, aligning further with the EU’s 14th package of sanctions in response to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), as the competent body for sanctions, extended its sanctions against Russia. 

The EAER is to impose sanctions within its jurisdiction on an additional 69 individuals and 86 entities.

The latest sanctions primarily focus on individuals such as businesspersons, propagandists, military personnel, and judiciary members, along with those involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children and members of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Confederation (FSB). Newly sanctioned entities notably include companies within the Russian defense sector, as well as financial and trade entities actively engaging in sanctions evasion.

The EU's 14th package of sanctions, adopted on June 24, includes various additional measures targeting the energy sector, financial sector, and goods sector. The Swiss Federal Council is currently reviewing these measures with the possibility of adopting them in the future.

Following the latest EU sanctions list, YouTube has recently closed the accounts of several prominent Russian artists, such as Polina Gagarina and Oleg Gazmanov.