Switzerland joins new EU sanctions against Russia

Switzerland joins the new European Union (EU) sanctions against Russia. This was reported by the government of the country on December 16.

According to the statement, Switzerland joins anti-Russian sanctions in restricting prices of Russian crude oil and petroleum products.

"The Federal Council has decided to adopt these provisions, bringing Switzerland's measures in line with those of the EU. The measures will take effect Dec. 16," the report said.

Switzerland also included in the sanctions two unnamed Iranian individuals on whom the EU imposed sanctions on Nov. 14 for their alleged involvement in the development and delivery of drones to Russia. It is noted that they "were subjected to financial restrictions and entry restrictions. Two other Iranian organizations were also subjected to financial restrictions.

Earlier this day, the EU approved the ninth package of restrictive measures against Russia. Thus, today's decision introduces new controls and restrictions on the export of goods and technology that can contribute to the technological improvement of Russia's defense and security sector.

The EU reached an agreement to set a ceiling on the price of Russian oil at $60 per barrel in early December.

Back on November 27, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov recalled Russia's position not to trade oil and gas with countries that would impose a price ceiling on Russian energy resources.

On November 17, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said that accusations made by Western countries about deliveries of Iranian drones to Russia are groundless. Such statements by Western countries are an attempt to justify their own illegal arms supplies to the Kiev regime, he said.

European countries increased sanctions pressure on Moscow against the background of Russia's special operation to protect Donbass, which began on February 24. However, this has already caused economic problems in Europe, causing a spike in inflation, triggering a spike in fuel and food prices.