Dear representatives of EU countries,

We are EU citizens. We are deeply troubled by the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. We are deeply saddened by the fear and suffering of the people of Ukraine at the hands of one man’s egotistical desire for historical recognition. We do not believe that Putin will stop his armies at the borders of Ukraine. We are aware of our European history, which has taught us that power-hungry men with sick minds will never be stopped by appeasement. We are aware that many in Europe wish that Putin will be appeased by taking only Ukraine, but we remember how countries like Czechoslovakia and Poland were dealt away to Hitler by western powers. We believe that this calls for drastic action. More drastic action than the sanctions already imposed. 

Therefore we are calling for Putin’s personal assets be frozen, globally, as well as those of all Russian leaders and oligarchs, and their families. We call for the international banking SWIFT system be frozen for all transactions into and out of Russia, and between any and all accounts outside of Russia owned by Russian leaders and oligarchs, and their families. We call for Switzerland to freeze all accounts owned by Russian leaders and oligarchs, and their families. We call for all property owned by Russian leaders and oligarchs, and their families to be seized until the conflict is ended and all Russian troops have been removed from Ukraine.

We understand that this may cause financial losses to us and many in the west. We are willing to make that sacrifice to contain this war and Putin’s expansionist actions. We call on leaders in the west who have investments in Russia to make these sacrifices as well, or lose our respect and support.

Every hour that passes without these actions being taken is deepening the conflict and extending the risk to the rest of Europe and we all lose. 

Sincerely,

Citizens of the European Union

We support also this petition, help us reach top EU leaders!

www.openpetition.eu/petition/online/block-russia-from-swift-immediately