Switzerland has summoned the Russian ambassador to the foreign ministry to demand international law is upheld and is calling on the Russian government to reverse its decision to recognise the two breakaway regions in Ukraine as independent countries.
The government says it’s concerned about the escalating situation on the Ukrainian border and says this country is ready to work with all sides to resolve the crisis.
A spokesman confirmed Swiss participation in the OSCE observer mission in the disputed areas will remain and more staff are being sent to the OSCE’s offices in Vienna.
The Federal Council will discuss possible sanctions against Russia at its meeting today. The government says it’s in talks with other countries about coordinating sanctions – but will not act immediately.
While Switzerland did not adopt the EU sanctions imposed after Russia annexed Crimea – it did bring in rules to stop Swiss financial centres being used to circumvent those restrictions. Those restrictions remain in place.
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