FOCUS: RUSSIA in a way that takes Russian interests into account. The three Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, have been members of NATO and the EU since 2004, which is why Russia is avoiding open confrontation with these countries. However, they are already under considerable pressure from Russia, which is likely to increase further in the years to come. In addition to the application of political, economic and propagandistic leverage, cyber attacks with far more serious consequences than hitherto are also a possibility. also of particular importance to Russia as an international trading and financial centre. This gives rise to special requirements, particularly when it comes to handling the Russian elite's assets. Russia and Switzerland Internal political and economic consolidation has created the essential preconditions for Russia to keep the pressure on Eastern Europe high during what is likely to be Putin's last term in office. The last ten years have been marked by a steady deterioration in relations between Russia and the transatlantic West. The 2008 war in Georgia and the Ukrainian crisis of 2014, as well as the Western sanctions which were imposed in response to them and have been intensified over the past four years, are visible evidence of this. There is currently no sign that Russia's relationship with the West has yet reached its lowest point. On the contrary, this relationship could deteriorate further, in line with the trend over the last several years. The tensions between Russia and NATO and between Russia and the EU will continue to have an impact on Switzerland. In the wake of the Ukrainian crisis, measures have been taken in Switzerland to prevent the country being used to circumvent sanctions. In addition, as a non-aligned country, Switzerland is SIT UAT ION R E PORT 2 0 1 8 | FIS 29