German Government Unaware of Changes to Sanctions Amid Russian SWIFT Demands

The German government has no knowledge of any planned changes to EU sanctions against Russia despite Moscow's call for Russian banks' readmission to the SWIFT system. Russia seeks sanctions relief for a Black Sea security deal, amid U.S. peace efforts led by President Trump.

The German government has stated that it is not aware of any proposals to amend European Union sanctions against Russia. This was in response to Moscow's recent demand for Russian banks to be readmitted to the SWIFT international messaging system.

At a routine press conference in Berlin, a government spokesperson highlighted that SWIFT's headquarters' location in Belgium places it under EU jurisdiction. "I am not aware of any endeavours within Europe to lift these sanctions," the spokesperson added.

Russia's request comes as part of a condition for a Black Sea security deal, seeking a reconnection of its agricultural export bank to the SWIFT system. This follows peace initiatives by U.S. President Donald Trump, who secured separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia, causing unease among European allies.

(With inputs from agencies.)