It was one of the few European countries that did not follow the European Union on the path of sanctions against Russia. After several days of procrastination, Switzerland has decided to freeze Russian assets in the country. A decision with serious consequences when you know the economic ties between the two nations.
From our correspondent in Geneva, Jeremiah Lance
Protesters who whistle the government under the windows of the Federal Palace in Bern. The scene recalls the Covid-19 crisis. But this time it’s not a vocal minority. The latest demonstrations in support of Ukraine reflect the prevailing feeling in Switzerland, that the government could no longer hide behind its policy of neutrality.
A change of course that the Swiss president, Ignazio Cassis, already justified to the RTS: “ Neutrality is not indifference. We have a duty to condemn this aggression by Russia against Ukraine. And at the same time, let’s not forget, we are a neutral country. Our neutrality cannot be questioned. This does not prevent us from calling a spade a spade. »
Frozen assets
In detail, this means that any assets of Vladimir Putin in Switzerland are frozen. Also targeted, his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov who canceled his visit to the United Nations in Geneva. Officially because of the ban on overflights of European territory decided by the EU.
Switzerland is a relatively important economic partner for Russia, especially given the size of the country. One thinks of course of the oligarchs who come to invest their money there and spend their holidays. But it is also in Switzerland that 80% of the Russian trade in raw materials passes through, and that the company responsible for operating the highly controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, now shut down, is headquartered.
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