Ukraine: Switzerland calls for probe over Izyum mass graves
Switzerland says it is deeply disturbed by fresh reports of mass graves in Izyum, a territory in east Ukraine that was until recently occupied by Russian forces.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/ds
Русский
ru
Швейцария требует расследовать массовые захоронения в Изюме
Ukrainians carry bodies that were unearthed from graves in Izyum, Kharkiv region on September 16, 2022. Officials say the burial site, one of the largest in a recaptured city so far, counts more than 440 separate graves.
Keystone / Oleg Petrasyuk
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs called for “an independent and thorough investigation while taking care of the rights and needs of the victims and their relatives.”
It noted that the the killing of protected persons constitutes a grave breach of international humanitarian law and pointed to the jurisdiction of Ukrainian authorities and the International Criminal Court.
The United Nations says it hopes to send a monitoring team in the coming days to Izyum, a town that Russia seized shortly after invading Ukraine in February this year. Situated in the Kharkiv Oblast, Izyum served as a strategic hub to supply Russian forces in the east of Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces recaptured Izyum earlier this month in a bold counteroffensive that yielded rapid territorial gains. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine raised his country’s flag over the town on Wednesday to mark its liberation. Ukrainian officials say over 400 graves have been found in the forest flanking Izyum.
External Content
Russia is a terrorist country. I don't know why the world is slow to recognize it. We liberated Izium. Over 400 graves were found in the forest next to it. How many tortured Ukrainians are there is unknown. How many more of our people must die so that all finally figured it out? pic.twitter.com/0nqqaPPsLKExternal link
Neutral Switzelrand’s offers to act as a mediator in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine have been been rebuffed by Moscow. The Kremlin considers the Alpine nation an unfriendly nation because of its decision to join the European Union’s unprecedentedly vigorous sanctions against Russia.
Last month, Switzerland hosted an international conference in support of Ukraine in the southern Swiss city of Lugano. The Ukraine Recovery Conference agreed a set of principles to oversee the reconstruction of the war-torn country.
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
This content was published on
On Saturday the Lake Geneva, Valais and Basel regions are expected to record the first tropical day of the year, with temperatures exceeding 30°C.
This content was published on
The Swiss economy saw the clouds that had gathered over its prospects lift somewhat in May. However, the KOF economic barometer is still below its long-term average.
Direct operations too dangerous in Swiss landslide valley
This content was published on
By Friday morning 365 people had been forced to leave their homes because of Wednesday's landslide in the Swiss village of Blatten.
Franco-Swiss raclette war set to be settled on Sunday
This content was published on
The battle for the world's largest raclette will be transformed on Sunday in Saint-Gingolph, canton Valais, into a raclette of friendship served at the border.
Flood risk threatens Swiss valley after ‘millennium event’ glacier collapse
This content was published on
Two days after a gigantic avalanche of ice, mud and debris buried much of the village of Blatten in canton Valais, the danger is not over.
Situation in Swiss landslide valley remains unstable
This content was published on
Authorities in Valais said on Thursday that it was still too dangerous to begin clear-up activities around the village of Blatten.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland calls for return of Crimea to Ukraine
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has again called for Russia to end hostilities and withdraw from Ukraine, including Crimea.
Wanted: politically convenient definition of ‘neutrality’
This content was published on
Switzerland is in search of a new interpretation of its neutrality. An international comparison shows there are plenty of variations.
Russia rejects protecting power mandate agreed by Switzerland and Ukraine
This content was published on
Russia has said Switzerland is no longer neutral and cannot represent Ukrainian interests in Russia and Moscow’s interests in Ukraine.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.