Switzerland imposes same sanctions as EU on Russian leadership for Moscow's war on Ukraine

By Peter Kenny

GENEVA (AA) - The Swiss president announced Monday that Switzerland is adopting the same financial sanctions by the EU against Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials for Russia's war on Ukraine.

"The Federal Council decided on Monday to freeze the assets of President Vladimir Putin and several of his ministers," Swiss President Ignazio Cassis told a news conference after the council met. "These sanctions take effect immediately."

The body noted that the "Federal Council took Switzerland's neutrality and peace policy into account while making these decisions" and "reaffirmed Switzerland's willingness to actively contribute to a solution to the conflict through its good offices."

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are targeted, said Cassis.

"Switzerland is thus reacting to the serious violations of public international law for which these people are responsible," said the Swiss president.

Cassis said Switzerland reiterated its solidarity with Ukraine and its population and will send basic necessities for people who have fled to Poland.

Earlier, at the UN Human Rights Council opening, Cassis said Switzerland strongly condemned Russia's war on Ukraine.

"This is a flagrant violation of international law, and in particular, on the prohibition of the use of force and violation of the territorial integrity of a state," said Cassis.

"The military intervention of the Federation of Russia violates the most fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter, which was based on the ruins of two world wars."

He added: "Let's be clear, the attempts of the Russian Federation to legitimize its actions are not credible."

Cassis said there had been no provocation that could have justified Russia's actions.

"We reiterate our call to the Russian Federation to cease this combat immediately and to withdraw from Ukraine and to take military de-escalation measures."

Since Russia's war on Ukraine began last Thursday, it has been met by outrage from the international community, with the EU, UK, and US implementing a range of economic sanctions against Russia.

Russia was further isolated after its planes were barred from flying in European and Canadian airspace, and a number of its banks were kicked out of the SWIFT international banking system.