While the defence ministry currently considers this unlikely, the government says it is necessary to be prepared and be able to react rapidly.
It has tasked the defence ministry to set up a Federal Strategic Command Staff if there were to be such an event or it looked likely. This Command Staff will be headed by the secretary-general of the defence ministry and include the secretary generals of all the ministries, the federal government spokesperson, heads of the federal health, civil defence, energy and other key offices as well as representatives of the army, police and fire brigade.
The Command Staff will be responsible notably for “continuing analysis of the situation so that any required measures can be taken rapidly”, according to a government press releaseExternal link, and for “coordination and planning of short, medium and long-term intervention, in collaboration with the competent bodies”.
This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday declared four regions of Ukraine to be Russian following “referenda” which Western countries including Switzerland denounced as illegal. Putin has threatened that nuclear power Russia will use “all means necessary” to defend its territory.
Energy taskforce
On Friday, the government also decided on a special taskforce in the event of a serious shortage of gas and electricity this winter, as well as a “Single Point of Contact” for the cantons. The authorities have already taken a series of measures to try to head off an energy crisis linked to the Ukraine war and Russian gas supply disruption.
More
More
Government relaxes water use rules to boost hydropower capacity
This content was published on
The Swiss government plans to temporarily ease water use rules to allow a number of hydropower plants to boost capacity.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
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.
This content was published on
With North Korea stepping up nuclear tests, people in Japan are preparing for the worst by building private shelters using Swiss technology.
This content was published on
Want to know more about this story? Write a comment below, or you can contact the producer on FacebookExternal link or on Twitter @jofahyExternal link.
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.