TOKYO (Realist English). Switzerland has expressed support for European and American sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. This was announced on April 18 by Swiss President Ignazio Cassis following a meeting in Tokyo with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The Swiss leader called on the Kremlin to immediately stop the operation:
“Switzerland, which does not belong to the European Union, fully backs EU sanctions against Russia and implemented a fifth round of measures last week. But that does not mean his country has abandoned its policy of neutrality. Supplies of war material would not be compatible with neutrality. Participation in military alliances would not be compatible with neutrality. Using one’s own territory to transport or fly over war material to war would be incompatible with neutrality. On the other hand, condemning any action that strongly violates our values, which are in the constitution, that is compatible with neutrality”.
Japan has also joined the United States and the European Union in imposing sanctions against Russia.
“Russia must be held accountable for the events in the Ukraine. It undermines the foundation of the international order not only in Europe but also in Asia. Now the international community needs to unite more than ever.” Kishida said.
Earlier, Japan has frozen the assets of hundreds of Russian individuals and groups and banned new investment and trade, including exports of goods that could be used for military purposes. Japan also announced plans to phase out imports of Russian coal.
In March, the Kremlin refused to negotiate with Tokyo on the issue of the Kuril Islands “taking into account the obvious unfriendly nature of the unilateral restrictions imposed by Japan against Russia in connection with the situation in the Ukraine,” the Russian Foreign Ministry explained.
