Why Russia must be excluded from SWIFT

Volt calls for the European governments to exclude Russia from SWIFT. This is not the time for indecisiveness! Europe and the international community have to stand united against the brutal invasion of a sovereign nation and the breach of international law. 

The expulsion of Russia from SWIFT is not called the financial “nuclear option” for nothing. This will harm normal people - both in Russia and in Europe. We have to be aware of the fact that those young people, protesting all over Russia, will be affected by this, too. So will vulnerable people in Europe. 

Nonetheless, we have to learn again, what generations before us instinctively knew: that democracy and peace don’t come for free. And our sacrifice is nothing compared to the sacrifice millions of Ukrainians have to suffer through, not least due to mistakes made by our governments.

In light of this, we call on the EU to support those European citizens most affected by the sanctions against the Kremlin. War in Europe has shown the importance of compassion, of standing together, acting together, and finding European solutions to transnational challenges.

Excluding Russia from SWIFT is an imperfect tool for an even worse situation. We think additional sanctions and measures are in order. But at this point, it is important to show unity and resolve. This is why Volt demands to cut Russia off SWIFT, with no exceptions.