Ukraine crisis: Switzerland will be a neutral supporter of punitive measures

The Cabinet said in a statement that Switzerland did not join the sanctions imposed by the European Union after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. According to the document, Bern is in constant contact with several countries that share intelligence information about the situation in Ukraine with it.

However, as provided in the Communication, Switzerland may adopt binding measures to ensure that sanctions adopted by the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe or the main trading partners of the Alpine country are enforced in accordance with international law, in particular human rights. The government indicated that Switzerland is only obligated under international law to impose sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council. On the other hand, Swiss law permits embargoes, financial penalties, entry and transit prohibitions, or a combination of these, on certain products and services.

Berne leadership condemned Russia’s recognition of the separatist “people’s republics” of Luhansk and Donetsk in southeastern Ukraine, in violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law. He stressed that this step only served to increase tensions in the crisis area. He said he is following the developments with concern and fears that the situation will escalate.