Switzerland Follows the EU’s Lead in Russian Sanctions Despite a Longstanding Tradition of Neutrality
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin vowing that “we will absolutely accomplish all of our plans” in order to see the reintegration of “historical Russia.” This statement signifies Putin’s hope for a return to Soviet-era structures, in which Ukrainian independence was not recognized. The war, which has been responsible for over eight hundred hundred civilian deaths and the forced migration of millions of Ukrainians out of the country, has been condemned by the United Nations, the European Union, G7, and other state and non-state actors within the international community. While it would be safe to assume that Switzerland would avoid condemning Russia, given their longstanding tradition of neutrality, even they have voiced their disapproval of Russian aggression, which highlights the unified collaboration of states in the fight to protect both human rights and dignity as well as international law and order.
In a recently issued statement, the White House claimed that “Russia cannot grossly violate international law and expect to benefit from being part of the international economic order.” The United States, and other Western states, have introduced several political and financial sanctions, as well as export controls, as a means to isolate Russia and remove them from the global financial system by crippling its economy. Additionally, several multinational corporations (MNCs) have cut their ties with Russia. Companies from Apple and McDonald’s to Exxon Mobil and Nestle have started to halt their operations in Russia, illustrating the increasing pressures being placed on the Russian government. The consequences of such actions have been devastating to the Russian economy, and the impacts can be illustrated by the depreciation of the ruble as well as the high unemployment rate as millions of people who worked for the MNCs have lost their jobs. While it remains uncertain as to when the sanctions will be lifted, it can be assumed that the current level will remain so long as Russian aggression continues.
As mentioned, even Switzerland — a country known for its tradition of neutrality —has announced that it would stand with the European Union in imposing sanctions on Russia. In order to fully realize the precedence of such an act, the context surrounding the history of Swiss neutrality is necessary. Swiss impartiality and political isolationism have long been the international norm. After the signing of the 1815 Congress of Vienna, a declaration that formally recognized Switzerland’s self-imposed policy of neutrality, the Alpine nation was to act as a buffer “in the true interest of the whole of Europe.” The law of neutrality, according to the Hague Convention of 1907, outlines that neutral states are not to favor parties militarily in the context of interstate wars. While Swiss neutrality is not bound by an international treaty, Switzerland may exercise its own discretion in terms of neutrality policies.
Given the current war in Ukraine, however, Switzerland has decided to adopt EU sanctions, which signifies a deviation in their traditional approach to their policy on neutrality. Swiss President Ignazio Cassis defended the shift by claiming that “we are in an extraordinary situation where extraordinary measures could be decided.” The Foreign Council did clarify, however, that their adoption of EU sanctions “does not alter its neutrality in any way.” While neutrality will remain intact in the sense that Switzerland will not favor Ukraine or Russia militarily, Switzerland’s newly adopted sanctions demonstrate a shift in the practice of neutrality, signifying the extensive support for Western values and cooperation.
So far, the Swiss government has closed flights from Russia and has additionally imposed sanctions on Vladimir Putin and other notable officials in the Russian government. Furthermore, five oligarchs, who remain unnamed but are said to be close to Putin, are barred from entering the country. What’s so significant about Switzerland’s recent move is that they managed to stay neutral through much of modern history, but have chosen this moment in time to condemn the Russian invasion by standing in solidarity with Ukraine and the rest of the Western bloc.
Overall, the stances are taken by many State actors — including neutral Switzerland — and multinational corporations point to the collaboration of the international community in condemning and punishing Russia’s unjust attack on sovereignty, democracy, and freedom. The hope going forward is that escalating pressures will work to halt Russian aggression.
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