Switzerland, which has been neutral until the start of the Ukraine war, has moved closer to the European Union geopolitical views since, by joining its sanctions against Russia.
Moving further from its original neutrality status, Switzerland has joined all measures of the recent 16th package of sanctions against Russia, the Swiss Federal Council said in a statement. “At its meeting on May 14, 2025, the Federal Council decided to adopt the remaining measures of the EU’s 16th package of sanctions against Russia that are relevant to Switzerland. This increases the impact of the EU measures.” The new measures took effect in Switzerland as of May 15, it said. The sanctions are against 48 individuals, 35 entities and 74 vessels.
“Export restrictions on dual-use goods and goods that contribute to military and technological enhancement are being tightened. This includes a ban on exporting chromium ores to Russia, as they may be used for military purposes. The list of goods that benefit Russian industry is also being expanded, for example to include chemicals. There is now also a ban on the purchase and import of Russian primary aluminum,” it said.
