Last night, in his State of the Union address, President Biden mentioned that "even Switzerland" was stepping up with aid and sanctions in response to the Russian attack on Ukraine. I don't know if that was a back-handed swipe at the traditionally neutral country. Perhaps, he should have added the words, "traditionally neutral", but no matter. Biden's statement was based on Switzerland's decision to join in the sanctions being applied by the EU.
The below article from the French-language Swiss daily, Le Matin, is translated by Fousesquawk. It was published January 28th.
https://www.lematin.ch/story/le-conseil-federal-sexprime-a-14h30-sur-lukraine-887093193655
War in Ukraine
Switzerland toughens sanctions: "Playing into the hands of an aggressor is not neutral"
The government has decided to (apply) the sanctions of the EU, to freeze Russian assets, and sanction Vladimir Putin
-by Christine Talos
Caption below photo: Four federal counselors were present to detail the decisions of the Federal Council
Insert: The decisions in brief
* The Russian assets in Switzerland on the EU list are frozen, effective immediately.
* President Vladimir Putin is also targeted by the financial sanctions.
* Five (persons) close to the president are also targeted by prohibitions of entry into Switzerland.
* Switzerland is closing its air space to all flights coming from Russia.
* Ukrainian refugees may come to Switzerland even if they don't have a passport.
* Twenty-five tons of basic necessities will be sent to Poland.
"The Russian attack against Ukraine is unacceptable from the point of view of international law, political(ly) and moral(ly). The Federal Council has, therefore, decided to (apply) the European sanctions in full and freeze Russian assets," stated the president of the (nation), Ignazio Cassis to the press on Monday.
"The assets of persons and businesses on the list are immediately blocked; Financial sanctions against the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are equally applied, effective immediately," the government stated in its communique.
"In a thoughtful manner"
Why now? "Because it involves a large scale measure and it was necessary to carefully examine its consequences. The Federal Council has made this step with conviction, in a thoughtful manner, and without equivocation," he added.
Is it still possible for Switzerland to offer its good offices under these conditions? "We will see what happens, but in the end, we will always need diplomacy. No conflict has been resolved without diplomacy," said the head of Foreign Affairs, acknowledging that the Swiss sanctions might go down badly with the Russians.
Financial sanctions
The assets of persons and businesses on the EU list are frozen, effective immediately. It is now prohibited to establish new business relations, stated the major financier, Ueli Maurer. This also applies to the Swiss National Bank and the Russian National Bank. Russia is not the most important place for Swiss investors, he stated. Only 2% of the wealth in Switzerland is Russian, the Zurich (resident) stated. The commerce of raw materials is not affected by the sanctions," due to international interests. Deliveries of raw materials will continue to take place."
Entry bans and closed air space
The Federal Council has announced entry bans against five persons who have links to Switzerland and are close to Putin, announced Karin Keller-Sutter. The government has also decided to partially suspend the agreement aimed at facilitating the issuance of vias concluded with Russia in 2009, explained the Justice Minister. Holders of diplomatic passports may continue to enter Switzerland without a visa. Switzerland will, thus, be able to continue to work through talks and negotiations for the resolution of conflicts.
In addition, in accordance with other European countries, Switzerland closed its air space Monday to all flights originating from Russia and all air movements of Russian airplanes, with the exception of humanitarian or diplomatic flights.
"We want to be simple and generous"
"I will present, as soon as possible, several options to offer the Ukrainians the protection they need in a non-bureaucratic manner", announced Karin Keller-Sutter. Switzerland will allow refugees to enter even if they do not have a passport. "We want to be simple and generous," she explained.
"Under the Schengen Accord, Ukrainians can stay in Switzerland without a visa for 90 days. Beyond that, they will benefit from the "S" protection statute, which will allow them to remain," she stated. "This statute has never been utilized. It allows permitting temporary protection in situations of acute crisis without overloading the asylum system, she stated.
According to the Defense Minister, Viola Amherd, the Federal Council expected that there would be a military escalation at the periphery of Europe. "The willingness to use military force has increased. States including Switzerland must be capable of defending themselves," she stated. In response to a reporter, however, she stated that the population need have no fear of a nuclear war. "We considered this possibility, but this scenario is very unlikely, " she said.
25 tons of basic necessities
Switzerland will also send some 25 tons of basic necessity products, at a value of 8 million francs, to Warsaw, the capital of Poland. The Federal Department of Defense will make available medical supplies and necessary medicines urgently needed from the stock of the army pharmacy, the chief of Defense, Viola Amherd announced. It involves among others, protective equipment, surgical equipment, or burn dressings. "This will permit the delivery of immediate medical needs to patients traumatized in Ukraine and neighboring countries," the minister stated.
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