German government: not aware of plans to readmit Russia to SWIFT banking system

The German government is not aware of any planned changes to European Union sanctions against Russia, a spokesperson said on Wednesday, commenting on Moscow's demand that Russian banks be readmitted to the SWIFT international messaging system.

Asked about the issue at a regular press conference in Berlin, the spokesperson said SWIFT is headquartered in Belgium, meaning it is under EU law.

"I am not aware of any endeavours within Europe to lift these sanctions," he added.

On Tuesday, Russia called for Western sanctions relief as a pre-condition for a Black Sea security deal, including the restoration of links between its agricultural export bank and the SWIFT system.

This follows a push for peace by U.S. President Donald Trump that has unnerved European allies. His administration reached separate deals with Ukraine and Russia on Tuesday.