Switzerland adopts new EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus

The Swiss Federal Council has announced the introduction of new sanctions against Russia and Belarus, aligning Switzerland with the European Union’s 19th package of restrictive measures. The new provisions entered into force on February 26.

According to the government press service, the measures are designed to intensify pressure on Russia’s military-industrial complex as well as its energy and financial sectors, which Switzerland says play a central role in financing the war against Ukraine. Earlier, on December 12, 2025, Switzerland had already added 64 individuals and legal entities to its sanctions list. At present, roughly 2,600 individuals and organisations are subject to asset freezes in Switzerland, with the national sanctions register now fully aligned with that of the EU.

As part of the updated regime, the price cap on Russian oil supplied to third countries was reduced on February 1 from $47.60 to $44.10 per barrel.

Additional restrictions will take effect in the coming months. Beginning April 25, Switzerland will impose a full ban on the purchase and import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), while existing long-term contracts will be allowed to continue during a transition period lasting until the end of 2026.

The measures also introduce expanded limits on cryptocurrency activities involving Russian citizens and companies, including a prohibition on transactions using certain ruble-backed digital assets such as the stablecoin A7A5. Authorities have further extended restrictions on the use of specific specialized messaging services for payment transactions, with updates to be implemented promptly by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Trade restrictions have also been broadened. The updated rules expand the list of goods considered capable of strengthening Russia’s military and technological capacity, adding metals used in weapons production, materials for fuel manufacturing, and acyclic hydrocarbons.

Switzerland has additionally banned the acquisition or ownership of shares in companies located in special economic, innovation, or preferential zones, as well as the creation of joint ventures and the provision of certain services linked to advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and tourism. Russian diplomats are now required to provide advance notification before transiting through or entering Switzerland.

In parallel, on February 25 the Federal Council fully adopted additional measures targeting Belarus, mirroring EU sanctions introduced on October 23, 2025, in response to Minsk’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. These steps include expanded service prohibitions, stricter trade restrictions and new cryptocurrency-related measures, all entering into force on February 26. Swiss authorities said the goal is to strengthen the overall effectiveness of the sanctions regime and prevent attempts to circumvent existing restrictions.

By Tamilla Hasanova