Ukraine: Federal Council implements 21st package of sanctions
Berne, 04.11.2026 — On 4 November, the Federal Council decided to adopt the measures from the European Union’s 21st package of sanctions against Russia and Belarus. The EAER expanded and updated the sanctions lists relating to Russia and Belarus on 3 November. Switzerland is therefore adopting the amendments made by the EU as part of the 21st package of sanctions and other decisions. The amendments to the sanctions lists will come into effect at 11pm on 4 November, while the sectoral measures will come into force on 5 November.
In response to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, the EU adopted new measures against Russia on 23 July as part of its 21st package of sanctions. These include both new sanctions and sector-specific measures targeting the Russian energy and financial sectors, as well as measures to strengthen legal protection for European individuals and companies. At the same time, the EU has expanded its sanctions against Belarus.
The EU also adopted further listings on 17 July, 7 August and 28 September, and removed several individuals and one company from the sanctions lists on 22 September.
Expansion and amendment of the sanctions lists
On 3 November, the EAER decided to adopt a number of these listings and to remove six individuals and one company from the sanctions list, in accordance with the relevant EU decision.
An additional 254 individuals, companies and entities are now subject to asset freezes and a ban on the provision of economic resources. The individuals are also banned from entering and transiting Switzerland. In the trade sector, 41 companies, including some in third countries, are subject to stricter export control measures. Switzerland also imposed a ban on transactions involving various companies and entities. These include 33 Russian banks, one bank from a third country, 17 financial institutions and crypto service providers, five companies from third countries, as well as four Russian airports and two Russian ports. Finally, a further 41 vessels linked to the Russian shadow fleet were subject to comprehensive bans on purchases, sales and the provision of services.
Following a weighing up of foreign policy and legal considerations, Switzerland has decided, for the time being, not to include two Russian nationals on the sanctions list. Similarly, fourteen companies from a third country are not currently subject to enhanced export control measures. However, operational measures already introduced under the 20th package of sanctions ensure that the trade restrictions are not circumvented.
Measures targeting the trade sector
In the trade sector, the Federal Council is extending the existing export ban on goods intended to strengthen Russia’s military and technological capabilities or to develop its defence sector. The restrictions are aimed in particular at the Russian aerospace industry and drone manufacturing. In addition, import restrictions will be imposed on other goods of economic importance to Russia.
Measures targeting the energy sector
In the energy sector, the Federal Council has introduced a new reporting requirement for the sale or other transfer of ownership of liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers to third countries, with a view to reducing the risk of circumvention. It is also further extending the measures and exemptions relating to liquefied natural gas in line with the latest EU measures. In addition, the Federal Council is extending an existing exemption from the ban on the transport of Russian crude oil and the provision of related services until 31 March 2028 for certain crude oil shipments to Japan.
Measures targeting the financial sector
In the financial sector, the Federal Council has further tightened the measures against cryptocurrencies. Russian nationals and persons resident in Russia are now no longer permitted to acquire an interest in Swiss companies that provide services in the crypto sector, regardless of the nature of the services offered.
Further measures
Further measures include, among other things, enhanced protection for Swiss companies and individuals against abusive Russian court rulings and the extension of existing exemptions to allow for the orderly winding-up of business operations in Russia.
Measures against Belarus
Alongside its 21st package of sanctions against Russia issued on 23 July, the EU also imposed further measures against Belarus in light of the country's continued involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine. At its meeting on 4 November, the Federal Council decided to adopt these new measures.
The amendments to the Swiss sanctions lists will come into effect at 11pm on 4 November. The sectoral measures will come into effect on 5 November.
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