Sanctions: Russia and Belarus

The Federal Council has on 4. November 2026 decided to come to the measures of the 21. European Union (EU) sanctions package against Russia and Belarus.

Already on the 3rd In November, the WBF expanded and adapted the sanctions lists concerning Russia and Belarus. In doing so, Switzerland will take over the changes that the EU will take place in the context of the 21st package of sanctions and other decisions. The changes to the sanctions lists take effect on the 4th. November at 11:00 p.m., the sectoral measures on the 5th. November.

In the financial area, the Federal Council has further tightened the measures against cryptocurrencies. Russian nationals and Russian residents are no longer allowed to acquire property from Swiss companies that provide services in the crypto sector, regardless of the type of service offered.

In accordance with the provisions of the Regulation, financial intermediaries are required to implement the prohibitions, to block the assets of the sanctioned persons and to report the business relationships concerned to SECO. The report to SECO does not relieve a financial intermediary from making additional clarifications in the event of suspicion in accordance with Art. 6 GwG and, if he cannot clear them, to report it immediately to the notification office for money laundering in accordance with Art. 9 GwG.