“It violates the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Ukraine,” said the government in a press releaseExternal link on Friday. “Switzerland does not recognize the incorporation of Ukrainian territories into the Russian Federation.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday declared four regions of Ukraine partially occupied by Moscow’s forces to be Russian, following “referenda” which Western countries including Switzerland denounced as illegal. The four regions in the east and southeast of Ukraine are Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Putin has also threatened to use “all means necessary” to defend Russian territory.
“Having annexed Crimea in 2014, Russia is again violating international law with this annexation,” said the government. “Switzerland underlines that these territories are still part of Ukraine’s national territory. The Federal Council calls on Russia to de-escalate and to completely withdraw from Ukrainian territories.”
It also called for Russia to respect international humanitarian and human rights law and for “rapid and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to be guaranteed throughout the territory of Ukraine, including in the Russian-occupied territories”. “With winter approaching, the delivery of humanitarian aid to the population is vitally important,” it continued.
This comes amid a chorus of condemnation from other Western countries. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg called the annexation illegal and illegitimate and the most serious escalation of the Ukraine conflict so far. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that any annexation of a State’s territory by another State resulting from the threat or use of force was a violation of the Principles of the UN Charter and international law.
Asked in Geneva today whether this could mean Russia being ousted as a permanent member of the Security Council, a UN spokesman said this would be a matter for discussion by the UN member states in the context of the UN Charter.
Swiss foreign minister praises improved relations with Italy
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Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis expressed his satisfaction on Tuesday with the good relations that Switzerland has developed with Italy.
Boating and swimming to be banned on part of River Aare in Bern
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From September, the city and canton of Bern will be carrying out extensive construction work on the River Aare to protect against flooding and to renovate the Marzili outdoor pool.
Moutier: foreigners familiarise themselves with right to vote
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From 2026, Moutier will be part of the Swiss canton of Jura, gaining more than 1,000 new voters. On Monday around 50 people were informed about their new rights.
Switzerland ‘more than ready’ to host Ukraine summit
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Switzerland is more than ready to host a summit between Russia and Ukraine, says Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, highlighting Switzerland's expertise in this area.
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Every second aircraft at Zurich Airport took off late this summer. However, the situation has already improved significantly compared to last year.
Swiss union federation demands average wage increase of 2%
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The employees' umbrella organisation Travailsuisse is demanding an average wage increase of two percent for all employees in the coming year. This would cover the rising cost of living and make up for wage shortfalls in recent years.
‘Dr Pump’ sentenced for administering unauthorised substances
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A Bern Regional Court has found the Solothurn doctor known as "Dr Pump" guilty of offences against the Sports Promotion Law. The man had administered unauthorised substances to patients.
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Volunteering can have a positive effect on mental health. According to a survey conducted in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, people who volunteer for others also strengthen themselves.
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Twint is being used more and more frequently to make purchases at the till or transfer money to friends using a smartphone. By the middle of the year, the payment app already had more than six million users in Switzerland.
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The meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin should take place in Europe, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. He is calling for it to be held in Geneva.
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.
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Government wants command centre in case of ‘nuclear event’
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The Swiss government on Friday laid out responsibilities in case of a nuclear attack or nuclear disaster linked to the war in Ukraine.
Switzerland will not recognise ‘sham’ Ukraine referendums
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Switzerland has joined other Western nations in condemning Russian plans for referendums in four occupied areas of Ukraine.
Swiss against joining NATO but in favour of closer cooperation
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Most Swiss want to see closer cooperation with intergovernmental defence alliance NATO. However, they do not want to become a member.
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.