Switzerland Sanctions 16 Russian Citizens: Here's the Background

The Swiss government has expanded its sanctions list against Russia by adding 16 individuals and seven organisations to the roster of parties subject to restrictions, the RIA Novosti news agency reported on Wednesday (17/6). According to a statement from the Swiss government, on 15 June 2026, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) amended Annex 8 of the Ordinance on Measures Relating to the Situation in Ukraine by adding 16 individuals and seven organisations to the list of restricted parties. The sanctions target, among others, the head of the youth affairs department in Sevastopol and other regions recently annexed by Russia, teachers, and leaders of children’s organisations. The measure came into effect on 16 June. The European Union had previously issued similar restrictions on 11 May. Russia has repeatedly stated that it is capable of withstanding the increasing pressure of Western sanctions in recent years. The country also maintains that Western nations are unwilling to acknowledge that the sanctions against Russia have failed to achieve their objectives, according to the RIA Novosti report.