Switzerland has supported the European Union's sanctions against Russia because these restrictions should not be circumvented on its territory.
This was stated by the President of Switzerland, Alain Berset, reported by SWI swissinfo.
Journalists conveyed concerns to the president, stating that the imposition of sanctions against Russia has been portrayed in the media, by analysts, and even by other states as a departure from Swiss neutrality. They also asserted that Russia no longer views Switzerland as a neutral party and is attempting to hinder Switzerland from playing a role as a platform for Russian-Ukrainian mediation.
Berset responded by emphasizing that, according to the UN Charter, Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine violated all international rules, causing a severe shock to the entire continent.
"When there is a country that blatantly violates international rules, you cannot just go back to business as usual," he said.
The President of the country stated that Switzerland has unequivocally condemned Russia's aggression from the very beginning and fully embraced EU sanctions.
In his opinion, it is crucial for Switzerland not to become a haven for circumventing international sanctions.
"If Switzerland had not adopted these sanctions, it would have happened very quickly. This, of course, would have been incompatible with neutrality," said Berset.
Earlier, it was reported that Switzerland had declined to participate with G7 countries in an international task force tracking the assets of Russian oligarchs.
Later, it became known that Switzerland had identified around 130 suspicious cases of sanctions evasion against Russia. Criminal proceedings were initiated in 29 cases.
