Switzerland imposes new sanctions on Russia's shadow fleet
Photo: Switzerland has imposed new sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet (Getty Images)
Switzerland has added 41 tankers from the shadow fleet that transports Russian oil to its new sanctions list, according to the Swiss government.
The Federal Office of Economics, Education, and Research announced sanctions against five individuals, four organizations, and 41 tankers.
Two companies from the UAE, Nova Shipmanagement LLC-FZ and Citrine Marine SPC, Vietnam's Hung Phat Maritime Trading, and Russia's SeverTransBunker Company Limited were blacklisted.
Russian Valery Kildiyarov, Pakistani Murtaza Ali Lakhani, and three Azerbaijani citizens – Anar Madatli, Talat Safarov, and Etibar Eyyub – are also subject to the new Swiss sanctions. The measures will take effect on January 13 at 11 p.m. local time.
Swiss sanctions against Russia
Switzerland has supported all EU sanctions packages against Russia, although it tries to maintain a neutral position due to its status. In general, sanctions are a sensitive issue in traditionally neutral Switzerland, where the government finds itself between international and domestic pressure.
The Swiss government has joined the European Union's anti-Russian sanctions. In particular, restrictions have been imposed on eight Russian media outlets.
Earlier, the Swiss authorities also decided to join the latest package of EU sanctions against Russia, as well as measures against Belarus. As emphasized in Switzerland, the new sanctions also include a ban on entry and transit through the country.
In addition, the Swiss Attorney General has launched the first criminal investigation into possible violations of sanctions against Russia by an unnamed company.
