Switzerland imposes sanctions against Wagner Group

This is stated in the press release of the Swiss Federal Council.

"The Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), responsible for imposing sanctions, today added the Wagner Group and news agency RIA FAN to Switzerland’s list of sanctions against Russia. The changes take effect from 6pm on 20 April," the statement reads.

The country recalls that on April 13, the EU imposed sanctions on the Wagner Group for its active participation in Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. The EU also imposed sanctions on the Russian news agency RIA FAN for spreading pro-government propaganda and disinformation. And now Switzerland is also imposing sanctions against these two organisations, thereby increasing the impact of EU measures.

In addition, Switzerland will impose an advertising ban on RT Arabic and Sputnik Arabic until these two media outlets are blocked in the country. 

• Earlier Bern said it was ready to provide Kyiv with a $1.7 billion financial support package because of Russia's armed aggression. The Foreign Ministry emphasised the intention of long-term assistance to Ukraine.