Switzerland adopted the latest EU sanctions package on Russia and Belarus, the government said on Monday. The move came one week after the European Union targeted Moscow's vessels and Chinese entities found to have traded with the Russian military.

The European Union on Monday imposed for the first time sanctions on individuals and organizations thought to be responsible for Russia's attempts to interfere in political processes abroad. "These measures are in response to Russia’s malicious actions and its lack of respect for a rules-based international order and international law,

The Swiss government decided to join the European Union's 15th package of sanctions against Russia, which was adopted on 16 December, as well as the measures against Belarus. Source: European Pravda,

Russia said on Monday that the situation with European countries that buy its gas through a transit deal via Ukraine is very complicated and needs more attention, after talks between President Vladimir Putin and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

The European Union boosted imports of Russian liquefied natural gas against the backdrop of deepening tensions over pipeline supplies that flow through Ukraine.

MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia said on Monday the situation with European countries that buy its gas through a transit deal via Ukraine was very complicated and needs more attention, a day after talks between President Vladimir Putin and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.