Switzerland’s initially lax attitude towards Russia also drew criticism from the general public.
(Photo: dpa)
Bern Switzerland’s 180-degree turnaround in Russia policy came as such a surprise even to Joe Biden that the US President mentioned it in his State of the Union address. Russia is internationally isolated after invading Ukraine. “Even Switzerland” is now supporting the sanctions against the country, said the democrat. Biden was particularly surprised that Switzerland, long a haven for Russian oligarchs, now wants to freeze their accounts.
The adoption of the EU punitive measures marks a historic turning point in Swiss foreign policy. Switzerland has rapidly redefined its understanding of neutrality. Responsible for this is Ignazio Cassis, incumbent Federal President and responsible for foreign affairs in the federal government.
The liberal justified Switzerland’s reluctance to adopt the EU sanctions against Russia at the end of last week with the country’s “legal and political neutrality”. The aim is to “leave channels open for negotiations”.
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