Switzerland has announced that it will adopt all the sanctions that the European Union has imposed on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

“In view of Russia’s continuing military intervention in Ukraine, the Federal Council took the decision on 28 February to adopt the packages of sanctions imposed by the EU on 23 and 25 February,” the Federal Council said in a statement.

“The assets of the individuals and companies listed are frozen with immediate effect; the financial sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are also to be implemented with immediate effect.”

The statement added that it stands in support of Ukraine and its people, and will deliver relief supplies for residents who fled to Poland.

In a deviation from its traditional neutral stand, President Ignazio Cassis explained that it was “an extraordinary situation where extraordinary measures could be decided.”

Switzerland also adopted the financial sanctions leveled against Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and closed its airspace to most Russian aircraft.

Historically, Switzerland has stayed clear of imposing sanctions, including in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea.

Up to now, the exception has been sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council, which has to be implemented under international law.