The attack on Ukraine and subsequent war has led to an “increasingly unpredictable” situation in Russia, the foreign ministry wroteExternal link on Friday, and it is possible that things could “suddenly deteriorate”.
This week Russia added Switzerland to a list of countries deemed “unfriendly”, which means it’s not possible to rule out “retaliation measures” aimed at Switzerland or at Swiss citizens, the ministry said.
As such, it “recommends that Swiss nationals whose presence is not urgently needed leave the country temporarily and by their own means”, noting that direct flights between Russia and Switzerland are no longer available due to the closure of European airspace to Russian planes.
“The decision to leave the country is an individual decision,” the foreign ministry added.
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Switzerland listed as ‘unfriendly’ country by Russia
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Moscow published the list on Monday after being hit by Western financial sanctions. All corporate deals with companies and individuals from the so-called “unfriendly countries” now have to be approved by a government commission, according to Reuters. The list follows a presidential decree on March 5 allowing the Russian government, companies and citizens to temporarily…
Swiss citizens in Russia are advised to adhere to the rules of local authorities, to stay clear of all types of demonstrations, and to avoid making political statements. If the situation in Russia were to get worse for Swiss people, the embassy in Moscow has only “very limited, or even no possibilities” to help, the foreign ministry said.
A helplineExternal link is also available for Swiss citizens abroad with urgent questions.
At the end of 2018, there were 732 Swiss nationals living in Russia.
Switzerland to introduce flight passenger database
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Switzerland plans to introduce a flight passenger database to collect and process personal data in a bid to combat terrorism and serious crime.
Government plans to invest over CHF16bn in Swiss rail network
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The federal government intends to invest CHF16.4 billion ($18.1 billion) in railway infrastructure between 2025 and 2028, CHF2 billion more than for the current period.
Swiss to vote on pension reform and biodiversity in September
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Swiss citizens will vote on occupational pension schemes and a biodiversity initiative on September 22, the Federal Council announced on Wednesday.
Ukraine peace talks: 50 countries have confirmed participation
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To date, 50 countries out 160 invited delegations have confirmed they will attend the Ukraine peace conference, held in central Switzerland in mid-June, according to Swiss public radio, RTS.
Federer-backed On boosts forecast after sneaker demand rises
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Swiss footwear company On Holding AG posted strong first-quarter revenue, boosted by demand for its running shoes and new line of training apparel.
Michael Schumacher’s watches fetch CHF4 million at Swiss auction
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Watches belonging to Formula 1 great Michael Schumacher sold for around CHF4 million ($4.41 million) at auction house Christie's in Geneva on Tuesday.
Macron will attend Swiss summit on Ukraine, says Zelensky
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French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the peace conference on Ukraine at the Swiss Bürgenstock resort next month, according to Volodymyr Zelensky.
Swiss public broadcaster no longer has staff in Moscow
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Following the introduction of strict new information laws in Russia, the Swiss public broadcaster SRF no longer has journalists reporting directly from Moscow.
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