His ministry on Friday confirmed the report by Swiss daily Le TempsExternal link concerning a complaint to the Attorney General’s office for alleged violation of official secrecy. But the foreign ministry said it could not comment further because of the ongoing investigation.
Against the background of war and insecurity in Ukraine, the October 20 trip had been prepared discreetly and foreign ministry colleagues informed only the day before, according to Le Temps. However, the foreign ministry noted that a Swiss daily had been informed about the itinerary. It believes this could potentially have comprised the security of Cassis and his delegation.
Cassis arrived by train from Poland for the surprise visit. A visit to Kyiv by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier planned for the same day had been postponed at short notice for security reasons.
Foreign minister Cassis, who also holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, travelled on October 20 to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv where he met with his counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky for talks focusing on reconstruction and humanitarian aid. Cassis told Swiss public broadcaster SRF that he had felt safe in Kyiv and on the train journey from Poland. “I see that the city unfortunately has wounds from the last attacks, but it still seems to be in a stable and calm state,” he said. “But of course in a war zone, there is never no risk.”
More
More
‘Kyiv already feels cold’, says Swiss president on visit
This content was published on
Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, who also holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, arrived in Ukraine on Thursday morning.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
This content was published on
A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
This content was published on
The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
This content was published on
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
This content was published on
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
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 will not recognise ‘sham’ Ukraine referendums
This content was published on
Switzerland has joined other Western nations in condemning Russian plans for referendums in four occupied areas of Ukraine.
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.
Swiss conference sets principles for Ukraine reconstruction
This content was published on
An international conference to support Ukraine has agreed to a series of principles to oversee the reconstruction of the war-torn country.
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.