By EFE / AFP

The Swiss government announced today that it will immediately freeze the assets of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Michoustine, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and members of his government.

ThereforeSwitzerland has agreed to fully implement the sanctions package issued by the European Union against Russian political and military officials, which so far have only been partially assumed to ensure that the country is not used as a platform to evade sanctions. The action affects any assets and bank accounts that sanctioned individuals may have in Switzerland.

Russia’s invasion and war against its neighbors is “unacceptable from the point of view of international law, politics and morality,” Swiss President Ignzio Cassis said, addressing a news conference on freezing Russian assets. This is a far-reaching measure for Switzerland.” The president acknowledged, explaining that it took the government the last two days to examine the consequences given the apparent clashes implied by the principle of neutrality on which the country’s foreign policy is based.

“We are taking this step with confidence, in a prudent and firm manner,” he told reporters, after confirming that “the principle of neutrality is not changed by this decision.”

Application for sanctions

Hours earlier, in Brussels, a European Commission spokesman had called on Switzerland “to seize the opportunity” and fully join the financial sanctions against Russia, which in addition to the European Union have also been taken up by the United States and Britain. Switzerland is a major player in the European financial services sector.

Cassis acknowledged that this decision “does not build a bridge of sympathy with Russia” and reduces the likelihood that Switzerland will become a venue for peace talks or act as a mediator in this conflict.

However, he assured that the door is open for Swiss diplomacy to put its traditional goodwill at the service of Russia and Ukraine, if they so decide.