Ukraine: Switzerland expands its sanctions lists
Bern, 22.05.2026 — The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) expanded the sanctions lists concerning Russia and Belarus on 22 May. Switzerland is thus adopting various changes that the EU decided on as part of its 20th package of sanctions. The measures come into force at 11pm on 22 May.
In response to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, the EU adopted new measures against Russia and Belarus on 23 April 2026 as part of its 20th package of sanctions. The EAER has now decided that Switzerland will adopt various listings.
An additional 115 individuals and entities are now subject to asset freezes and a prohibition on making funds available. The individuals are also banned from entering and transiting Switzerland. The newly sanctioned individuals and entities include, in particular, those belonging to or serving the Russian military-industrial complex or the Russian energy sector, as well as individuals involved in the deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.
However, Switzerland is currently refraining from adding seven companies in a third country to the sanctions list. Operational measures ensure that the sanctions are not circumvented.
In the trade sector, 60 new companies, including some in third countries, are subject to stricter export control measures. The aim of this measure is to prevent the supply of critical goods to Russia's military-industrial complex.
Switzerland is also aligning itself with further EU measures to curb the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet. Forty-six additional vessels have been made subject to comprehensive bans on purchase, sale and services, and, in line with the EU, existing bans on eleven vessels have been lifted. Furthermore, two Russian ports and one port located in a third country, which are used for the shipment of Russian oil products, have been made subject to a transaction ban. Exceptions are provided for in line with the EU.
Twenty Russian banks and seven financial intermediaries in third countries have also been placed under a transaction ban for undermining the purpose of the sanctions against Russia. In addition, participation in transactions involving the Russian cryptocurrency RUBx and the digital rouble will be prohibited from 26 May 2026.
The EU’s 20th sanctions package provides for a series of further measures in the financial, energy and trade sectors. The Federal Council will subsequently consider these sweeping measures and provide an update.
Links:
Measures relating to the situation in Ukraine (in French)
DE: AS 2026 235 - Verordnung über Massnahmen im Zusammenhang mit der Situation in der Ukraine | Fedlex
FR : RO 2026 235 - Ordonnance instituant des mesures en lien avec la situation en Ukraine | Fedlex
Measures against Belarus (in French)
DE: AS 2026 233 - Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Belarus | Fedlex
FR: RO 2026 233 - Ordonnance instituant des mesures à l’encontre du Bélarus | Fedlex
IT: RO 2026 233 - Ordonnance instituant des mesures à l’encontre du Bélarus | Fedlex
Enquiries from companies:
sanctions@seco.admin.ch
+41 58 464 08 12