Switzerland expands Russia sanctions in step with EU

Switzerland has expanded its sanctions against Russia, adding 45 organisations and nine individuals to its blacklist in a move aligned with measures adopted by the European Union.

The new restrictions will take effect at 23:00 local time on August 11, according to Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Among those newly sanctioned are Oleg Yevtushenko, executive director of Russia’s state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec, Alexei Rakhmanov, former head of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, and businessman Tahir Garayev.

Swiss authorities said the individuals were targeted over their links to Russia’s defence industry and the so-called shadow fleet used to transport Russian oil and evade international sanctions.

The newly designated organisations include companies involved in producing unmanned aerial vehicles, military electronics and supplying components.

The move follows similar sanctions imposed by the EU on June 15 against the same individuals and organisations, further aligning Switzerland’s measures with those of Brussels.

By Aghakazim Guliyev