Mon Dec 23 12:09:23 UTC 2024: ## Switzerland Aligns with EU, Imposes New Sanctions on Russia and Belarus
**BERN, Switzerland** – Switzerland announced Monday that it has adopted the latest European Union sanctions package targeting Russia and Belarus, freezing the assets of 54 individuals and 30 entities, and banning 52 vessels from its ports. The move brings Swiss sanctions in line with the EU’s actions taken last week, targeting those involved in circumventing sanctions already in place.
The sanctioned individuals and entities include those suspected of facilitating the transportation of Russian military goods, stolen Ukrainian grain, and circumventing the price cap on Russian oil and petroleum products. The 52 banned vessels are primarily tankers believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” used to evade international restrictions. The individuals face asset freezes and are barred from entering Switzerland.
The sanctions also extend to Belarus, with 26 individuals and two organizations subject to financial and travel restrictions, mirroring EU policy. The asset freezes came into effect on December 24th. This latest action underscores Switzerland’s continued commitment to aligning its foreign policy with that of the European Union, despite its neutrality.
First Piper 