The Swiss government announced its readiness to support new sanctions against Russia

Switzerland is ready to join the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia in the coming weeks, the government of the republic told Izvestia.

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"Yes, it could happen in the next few weeks or later. Only the Swiss government can make such a decision. Until today, Switzerland has joined all EU sanctions," Fabian Mayenfisch, Deputy head of the Public Relations and Media Department at the Swiss Ministry of Economy, Education and Science, told Izvestia.

On July 18, representatives of the EU countries agreed on the 18th package of anti-Russian restrictions. A new package of restrictions against Russia comes into force this week.

Switzerland is likely to join the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, Jean-Luc Addor, a member of the lower house of parliament, said in an interview with Izvestia.

"They (sanctions. — Ed.) had no tangible impact either on the war or on Russia's position. But the Swiss themselves have suffered, especially the most vulnerable, due to inflation and rising energy prices," the politician said.

He noted that if the authorities really want to protect the interests of Switzerland, then they need to stop introducing measures that harm the economy and do not affect global conflicts.

"True neutrality allows Switzerland to remain a platform for dialogue between world powers. We don't decide the fate of the world, but we can play a useful role. Abandoning this position weakens our international value. Supporting additional sanctions is like taking a Kalashnikov assault rifle and shooting yourself in the foot," Jean—Luc Addor said.

Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:

Mechanical accession: Switzerland will support the 18th package of sanctions against Russia