Switzerland joins certain provisions of EU's 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions

BERLIN. Oct 30 (Interfax) - The Swiss government has decided to impose additional restrictions on Russia, similar to those envisaged by the EU's 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions, a statement, published on the Swiss government website, said.

"On October 29, the Federal Council decided that Switzerland will adopt further measures from the European Union's 18th package of sanctions against Russia, as well as the EU's additional measures against Belarus," the statement said.

"The new measures focus on trade in goods and the financial and energy sectors and will take effect on 30 October," it said.

Switzerland will introduce stricter limitations on the export of goods, which, in its opinion, may strengthen Russian industries and facilitate military and technological development. The current ban on specialized services of financial messaging with 23 Russian banks is transformed into a complete ban on transactions, and 22 more banks are added to the list.

At the same time, Switzerland bans the import of refined petroleum products derived from Russian crude oil to third countries (except Canada, Norway, the UK, and the US) and transactions via the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines.

The Swiss government said it would not impose restrictions on two Chinese banks, sanctioned by the European Union, for now.

Switzerland backed certain provisions of the 18th package in summer 2025 by sanctioning 14 individuals and 41 legal entities, as well as 105 vessels from third countries, tightening export control for 26 entities, and cutting the Russian oil price cap.

The Council of the European Union approved the 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions in July this year.