(ConservativeHub.com) – There are nearly three certainties in life: death, taxes and Switzerland’s neutral stance. Yet, the last one seems to be changing in the face of Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine.
On Monday, February 28, Switzerland seemingly broke with tradition and adopted the EU sanctions levied against Russia. In fact, even during WWI and WWII, the country maintained its neutrality, and it took until 2002 for Switzerland to join the United Nations (UN).
Swiss President Ignazio Cassis announced sanctions against President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Switzerland will immediately freeze their assets and those of nearly 400 other individuals the EU sanctioned last week.
Following the announcement, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said these actions align with the Federal Council’s ability to “adhere to international sanctions.”
"Neutrality does not imply to be indifferent with regard to violations of international law," the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs told Newsweek. https://t.co/VKSIIwNL6D
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) February 28, 2022
Other countries that traditionally remain neutral or hesitant to join world matters have also taken steps to help Ukraine. Sweden and Finland, neither of which are NATO members, have agreed to send funding and weapons. Germany, which typically does not export arms to conflict areas, has agreed to send anti-tank weapons and missiles to Ukraine.
These rare and somewhat historical actions seem to point to the world turning against Moscow en masse.
Copyright 2022, ConservativeHub.com
