The US Treasury Department said on FridayExternal link that Vekselberg, who has an estimated $6 billion (CHF5.6 billion) fortune, has close links with Russian President Vladimir Putin and former president Dmitry Medvedev.
The US accused Vekselberg of acting on behalf of Putin and of being a key player in Russia’s technology sector through his holding company Renova.
“Furthermore, Vekselberg has taken part in Russian diplomatic and soft power activities on behalf of the Kremlin,” the statement read.
The yacht, called Tango, and the private aircraft have an estimated combined value of $180 million.
Renova also has significant stakes in Swiss manufacturing and real estate companies, which were reduced when Vekselberg was previously hit with US sanctions in 2018.
Besides having to reduce his ties to Swiss companies in 2018, Vekselberg also faced having his bank account closed by the financial arm of the Swiss post office.
Viktor Vekselberg: a discreet Russian oligarch in Switzerland
This content was published on
Russian billionaire Viktor Vekselberg, a target of recent US sanctions, has deep ties to Switzerland stretching back many years.
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
Switzerland targets 65% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035
This content was published on
Switzerland has set an ambitious goal to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels.
Switzerland cuts foreign aid to Albania, Bangladesh and Zambia
This content was published on
This decision comes after the parliament allocated less funding for foreign aid in December than the government had requested.
Switzerland to end international adoptions by 2026
This content was published on
Swiss citizens will no longer be able to adopt children from abroad. The government plans to halt these adoptions to prevent potential abuses.
Home ownership costs in Switzerland up by 2% in 2024
This content was published on
Home ownership in Switzerland became slightly more expensive in 2024. Central Switzerland has the priciest single-family homes at CHF1.78 million.
This content was published on
Six months into his tenure, Vice Chancellor Andrea Arcidiacono said he will leave the Federal Chancellery at the end of March.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland triggers wide range of sanctions against Russia
This content was published on
Switzerland hits Russia with sanctions, including a ban on many industrial exports and a wide range of financial activities.
The Russian oligarchs’ billions frozen in Swiss banks
This content was published on
Banks and Russian oligarchs grapple with consequences of sanctions that have frozen billions of francs in Swiss bank vaults.
Experts warn of hit to economy without Russian oil and gas
This content was published on
Renouncing Russian oil and gas would have serious consequences for the Swiss economy, an expert has told a Sunday newspaper.
Switzerland listed as ‘unfriendly’ country by Russia
This content was published on
Moscow published the list on Monday after being hit by Western financial sanctions. All corporate deals with companies and individuals from the so-called “unfriendly countries” now have to be approved by a government commission, according to Reuters. The list follows a presidential decree on March 5 allowing the Russian government, companies and citizens to temporarily…
Parmelin raises concern over sanctions on commodities
This content was published on
Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin has warned of the global consequences should sanctions be imposed on Russia for the commodities trade.
Swiss multinationals under pressure to untangle ties with Russia
This content was published on
Swiss companies are distancing themselves from Russia following the deadly attacks on Ukraine and subsequent economic sanctions.
This content was published on
Countries such as Sweden, Taiwan, and Switzerland are recalibrating their neutrality. What’s the future of non-interference?
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.