Ukraine: Federal Council implements 19th package of sanctions
Berne, 25.02.2026 — On 25 February, the Federal Council decided to adopt the further measures contained in the European Union's 19th package of sanctions against Russia with effect from 26 February. On 12 December last year, 64 individuals and entities were already added to Switzerland's sanctions list, and the first measures of the 19th sanctions package were adopted.
In response to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, the EU adopted new measures against Russia on 23 October 2025 as part of its 19th package of sanctions. These measures aim to further increase pressure on Russia’s military industrial base and the energy and financial sectors, which are considered key sectors in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
On 12 December last year, Switzerland already imposed sanctions on 64 additional individuals and entities (press release). This means that around 2,600 individuals and entities in Switzerland are currently subject to asset freezes in connection with the situation in Ukraine. The corresponding sanctions list is identical to that of the EU. In addition, the oil price cap for Russian crude oil destined for third countries was lowered from USD 47.60 to USD 44.10 as of 1 February.
Energy and financial measures
From 25 April, a complete ban on the purchase and import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) will apply in Switzerland. In the case of pre-existing long-term supply contracts, a transition period applies until the end of 2026. The measure aims to reduce Russia's revenues from the sale of fossil fuels, which are a major source of funding for the war against Ukraine.
In order to reflect the growing importance of cryptocurrencies for the Russian war economy, the provision of all crypto services to Russian citizens and companies is now prohibited. In addition, the Federal Council has decided to ban transactions involving certain rouble-backed cryptocurrencies, such as stablecoin A7A5. At the same time, the Federal Council has extended the ban on the use of certain specialised messaging services for payment transactions.
The interpretation guide for sanctions measures issued by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs will be updated promptly, particularly in this area.
Trade measures
In the trade sector, the list of goods that contribute to Russia's military and technological strength has been expanded to include metals used in the construction of weapon systems and products used in the manufacture of fuels. In addition, the Federal Council has imposed purchase and import bans on other goods that are important to Russia. New additions include, for example, acyclic hydrocarbons, which represent a significant source of income for Russia.
Further measures
The Federal Council has decided to prohibit the acquisition and retention of holdings in companies as well as the establishment and continuation of joint ventures in certain special economic, innovation or preferential zones where, among other things, war-related goods are produced.
The existing ban on the provision of services will be extended to new services. From now on, certain services in the field of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, as well as those directly related to tourism, are prohibited. In addition, the provision of all non-prohibited services for the Russian government is subject to authorisation.
Finally, the Federal Council has, as the EU has done, introduced an obligation for Russian diplomatic staff accredited in the EU to give advance notice if they are transiting through or entering Switzerland.
Measures against Belarus
Alongside the 19th sanctions package issued on 23 October 2025, the EU also imposed further measures against Belarus in light of that country's continued involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine. At its meeting on 25 February, the Federal Council decided to fully adopt these new measures. Among other things, they include an extension of service bans, a tightening of certain trade restrictions and measures relating to cryptocurrencies. The new provisions will enter into force on 26 February. This decision further aligns Switzerland's sanctions regime against Belarus with that against Russia, strengthening its impact and preventing circumvention.
AS 2026 92 - Verordnung über Massnahmen im Zusammenhang mit der Situation in der Ukraine | Fedlex
AS 2026 91 - Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Belarus | Fedlex
Enquiries from companies:
sanctions@seco.admin.ch
058 464 08 12