In Ukraine you have to constantly explain to people Switzerland’s position and its stance on neutrality, Wild told ArcInfo, Le Nouvelliste and La Liberté newspapers in an interview published on Monday.
“And sometimes people get annoyed,” he declared, pointing to Ukrainian bloggers who are “extremely critical” of Switzerland.
The Alpine country has come under pressure recently to review its veto over the re-export of Swiss-made tank ammunition that Germany wants to send to Ukraine. Last week the Swiss government again rejected an appeal from Berlin to allow it to re-export Swiss-made ammunition to the war-torn country.
More
More
Switzerland refuses to budge on German ammunition request
This content was published on
The government has again rejected an appeal from Germany to allow it to re-export Swiss-made ammunition to Ukraine.
“Under the principle of equal treatment in neutrality law, Switzerland cannot agree to a request for the transfer of war materiel of Swiss origin to Ukraine as long as the latter is involved in an international armed conflict,” the government saidExternal link on Thursday.
Neutral Switzerland requires countries that buy Swiss arms to seek permission to re-export them. According to Swiss law, exports of war materiel must be refused if the country of destination is involved in an international armed conflict. The government says its legal situation “remains unchanged”.
More
More
Swiss neutrality policy to remain unchanged
This content was published on
Switzerland will not change its policy of political neutrality despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the government has confirmed.
Meanwhile, Switzerland announced a fresh financial aid package of CHF100 million ($100 million) for the country last week.
“The more our humanitarian aid is effective, the better we are understood,” said Wild.
The Swiss embassy in Kyiv, like other diplomatic representations, was forced to close at the end of February after the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to fears of the capital coming under prolonged shelling. It reopened in May.
More
More
Switzerland will remain neutral – until it’s attacked
This content was published on
Switzerland is neutral. So why has it been cooperating with NATO and the EU on security issues for years?
‘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.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
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.
Report: Germany pressures Switzerland to re-export tank ammo to Ukraine
This content was published on
Switzerland faces pressure from Germany to review its veto over the re-export of Swiss-made tank ammunition that Berlin wants to send to Ukraine.
This content was published on
Switzerland is among the donors trying to provide humanitarian aid to civilians. What does it take to respond effectively when war breaks out?
This content was published on
Switzerland will not change its policy of political neutrality despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the government has confirmed.
‘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.
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.