SECO spokesman Mayenfisch: Switzerland has read the EU decision to limit gas prices

Switzerland got acquainted with the EU decision to establish a price cap on gas but will not comment on its support of the measure, spokesman for the State Secretariat of the Swiss Economy (SECO) Fabian Mayenfisch told RIA Novosti.

European Union countries agreed on Monday to set a ceiling exchange price for gas. It will be 180 euros per MWh (almost $2,000 per thousand cubic meters at the current exchange rate) and will take effect on February 15. The reason for this measure was said to be the desire to protect European households and businesses from gas price hikes, while a number of European officials called it a "political response" to Russia.

"Switzerland has familiarized itself with the EU's decision to limit the price of gas. That's all there is to report," Mayenfisch told the agency when asked if Switzerland would join the decision.

Switzerland earlier adopted the eighth package of EU sanctions against Russia, including the introduction of a price cap on Russian oil. Ivan Nechayev, deputy director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said Switzerland had lost its neutral status. Gennady Gatilov, Russia's permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, also said that Switzerland's position on Ukraine had negatively affected Geneva's international role.

The West increased sanctions on Russia because of Ukraine, which led to an increase in electricity, fuel and food prices in Europe and the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stated that the policy of containing and weakening Russia is a long-term strategy of the West, and the sanctions have dealt a serious blow to the entire global economy. According to him, the main goal of the West is to worsen the lives of millions of people. The Russian Federation has repeatedly stated that Russia will solve all the problems the West creates for it. Commenting on the West's idea to limit the prices of Russian energy resources, Putin said that Russia would not supply anything abroad if it contradicted its own interests.