Switzerland joins 15th package of EU sanctions against Russia, restrictions against Belarus

The Swiss authorities have decided to join the 15th package of sanctions against Russia adopted by the EU on December 16, as well as measures against Belarus, according to the Swiss government website, Report informs via Interfax-Ukraine.

"The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), in its capacity as the competent body for sanctions, has expanded its list of sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Switzerland is thus adopting the additional sanctions decided by the EU," the authorities said in a statement.

The decision of the Swiss authorities will come into force on December 24.

"The EAER has further adopted the individual financial sanctions that the EU has imposed on Belarus as part of its sanctions regime against the country due to the situation there," the press release also says.

The European Union published the 15th package of sanctions last Monday. In particular, it provides for restrictive measures against a number of tankers for the transportation of oil and LNG. In addition, the EU updated the sanctions lists, adding dozens of individuals and legal entities to it.