The Swiss authorities have imposed a new package of sanctions against Russia, banning the import of gold from Russia, according to a statement from the Swiss government.

According to the statement, a "ban on the purchase, import or transportation of gold and gold products from Russia" will take effect from August 3.

"Any services related to these goods are also prohibited," the statement said.

Switzerland also imposed sanctions against Sberbank, freezing its assets.

At the same time, the text of the statement stated that "none of the sanctions imposed against Russia are directed against trade in agricultural and food products between third countries and Russia." The Swiss government added that, like the EU, it made two exceptions for operations related to such products and to the transportation of oil to third countries.

Recall that on July 21, the European Union introduced another package of restrictive measures against Russia because of the war in Ukraine. The new package of sanctions included, in particular, a ban on "direct and indirect import, purchase or transfer of gold, which is the most significant article of Russian exports after energy resources.