Switzerland has adopted new restrictive measures against Russia, aligning with the European Union’s 18th package of sanctions. Effective August 12, the measures extend asset freezes, restrictions on providing economic resources, and travel bans to 14 individuals and 41 entities. Those targeted include oil trading companies, defense sector suppliers — some based in third countries — and various actors connected to Russia’s maritime operations.
A key focus is the so-called “shadow fleet” — a network of vessels under opaque ownership and flags of convenience, frequently used to evade sanctions by obscuring cargo origins, destinations, and related transactions. The sanctions prohibit the purchase, sale, or servicing of 105 vessels from third countries, primarily tankers linked to this fleet and suspected of circumventing oil price caps or transporting military-related goods to Russia. In the energy sector, the price ceiling for Russian oil will be reduced to $47.6 per barrel starting September 3.
As part of its latest sanctions package, Switzerland has imposed export-control sanctions on 26 entities—including some located outside Russia—for their role in facilitating the transfer of drone components and related materials to the Russian military. Authorities determined that these actors help bypass existing export restrictions by providing technical assistance, components, or logistical support for unmanned aerial vehicle production. The designations aim to disrupt supply chains enabling drone manufacturing and deployment in Russia.