Russian attack on Ukraine

Swiss government presents plans to boost gas reserves

This content was published on May 18, 2022 The Swiss government has outlined its plans to boost gas storage capacity in neighbouring countries to secure supplies ahead of winter.

NGO fears Dubai gold imports evading Russia sanctions

This content was published on May 17, 2022 Switzerland has recorded a significant increase in gold imports from the United Arab Emirates since the introduction of sanctions against Russia.

Switzerland releases CHF3 billion of frozen Russian assets

This content was published on May 13, 2022 The Swiss government has confirmed that CHF6.3 billion ($6.33 billion) worth of Russian assets remain frozen under sanctions.

Ukraine war is a windfall for Swiss arms industry

This content was published on May 13, 2022 The global rearmament effort in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is grist to the mill for Swiss arms companies.

Holiday home in Ticino of Russian oligarch, now sanctioned

Russian oligarch’s holiday home blocked in Switzerland

This content was published on May 13, 2022 The lake-view villa of Russian senator Andrei Klishas has been blocked in southern Switzerland. We find out why.

Swiss universities receive hundreds of requests from Ukrainian refugees

This content was published on May 12, 2022 Hundreds of Ukrainian refugees who have fled the war-torn country have contacted Swiss universities to attend classes.

What history tells us about sanctions

This content was published on May 11, 2022 Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted unprecedented sanctions. It is still open whether they will have an effect on the course of the war.

Swiss foundation clears mines in Ukraine

This content was published on May 10, 2022 The Geneva-based Swiss Foundation for Mine Action is helping the Ukrainian army with demining operations.

Wandtafel mit ukrainischer Flagge und Willkommensgrüssen

How welcoming is Switzerland for refugees?

This content was published on May 6, 2022 Besides geography, politics and the solidarity of the population play a decisive role in determining which countries people flee to.

Reader reaction to Ukraine war: ‘I see no difference – they’re all fleeing death in war’

This content was published on May 6, 2022 Our Arabic-speaking readers express shock, consternation – but understanding too – over special status for Ukrainian refugees.

The superyacht Amadea, owned by a Russian oligarch, is docked at the Queens Wharf in Lautoka, Fiji, on April 15 2022

US commission accuses Switzerland of hiding Russian assets

This content was published on May 5, 2022 Swiss anti-corruption expert testifies to a US government commission that Swiss lawyers help Russian oligarchs hide funds.

Swiss fighters join Ukrainian forces

This content was published on May 5, 2022 Swiss TV follows a Swiss mercenary off to fight in Ukraine.

The Russian diaspora in Switzerland walk a fine line

This content was published on May 5, 2022 There is a great wave of solidarity for Ukraine across Swiss society. But what is it like for Russians living here?

How Switzerland’s views on refugees have evolved

This content was published on May 5, 2022 Ukrainian refugees have been welcomed with open arms by Switzerland. This breaks with recent tradition in welcoming other refugees.

Greenpeace activists protest in front of Russian oil tanker.

Switzerland mulls impact of possible EU ban on Russian oil

This content was published on May 4, 2022 Brussels has proposed a phased-in ban on all imports of Russian oil as part of new sanctions against Moscow.

WEF further distances itself from Russia ahead of annual meeting in Davos

This content was published on May 1, 2022 The WEF has been distancing itself from Russia ahead of its annual meeting scheduled to take place starting May 22 in Davos.

War puts spotlight on surrogacy in Ukraine

This content was published on Apr 29, 2022 The war has exposed vulnerabilities in the surrogacy business in Ukraine, which has become an increasingly popular option for Swiss couples.

Viktoriia und Polina an der Kundgebung «Frieden jetzt» vom 2. April in Bern

Viktoriia and Polina are now living with me

This content was published on Apr 29, 2022 Viktoriia Bilychenko and her daughter, Polina, fled the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolayiv. This is how they are faring in Switzerland.

Irène Kälin speaks with Ukrainian officials during the Swiss parliamentary trip to the war torn country.

Swiss politicians defend Ukraine visit

This content was published on Apr 28, 2022 A cross-party group of parliamentarians insist that their recent visit to Ukraine has not compromised Switzerland’s neutrality.

Swiss block German request to re-export tank ammunition to Ukraine

This content was published on Apr 27, 2022 The Swiss government has confirmed that it vetoed the re-export of Swiss-made ammunition used in anti-aircraft tanks that Germany plans to send to...

The riddle of Russian money in Switzerland

This content was published on Apr 27, 2022 The low level of sanctioned funds belies assumptions that the Alpine nation is a treasure house of Putin kleptocracy.

Swiss charity raises millions for Ukrainian war victims

This content was published on Apr 26, 2022 The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation’s charity has collected more than CHF115 million for the victims of the war in Ukraine.

Migration head predicts most Ukrainians ‘will not stay in Switzerland’

This content was published on Apr 24, 2022 Of the 40,000 Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in Switzerland over the past two months, some are already starting to return home.

Swiss block German request to deliver ammo to Ukraine

This content was published on Apr 25, 2022 The SonntagsZeitung newspaper says authorities in Bern rejected the German request about Swiss-made ammunition on the basis of neutrality.

Number of refugees from Ukraine continues to rise

This content was published on Apr 22, 2022 A total of 39,258 refugees from Ukraine have been registered in Switzerland since Russia invaded its neighbour on February 24.

Canton Zug finds ‘no matches’ on Russian sanctions list

This content was published on Apr 22, 2022 Finance authorities in low-tax business location Zug say their investigations have found no individuals or firms on the Swiss/EU Russian sanctions...

Russian media in Switzerland: A mix of propaganda and anti-regime critics

This content was published on Apr 22, 2022 Only a few Russian-language media exist in Switzerland. We looked at their position on Putin’s war and found a mixed bag.

Swiss adapt housing policy for Ukraine refugees

This content was published on Apr 21, 2022 The Swiss authorities are to return to a regular distribution of refugees from Ukraine to reduce the burden notably for some cities.

Swiss jolted by bold EU reaction to Ukraine

This content was published on Apr 21, 2022 The Ukraine war has brought the European continent together. Yet Switzerland still needs to find its place in this increasingly assertive Europe.

Connecting with Ukrainian creativity one portrait at a time

This content was published on Apr 21, 2022 Swiss filmmaker Marc Wilkins is one of the few Swiss expatriates still living in Ukraine. He is raising funds with his film portraits of Ukrainians.

Areal view of an oilrig in eastern Siberia

Swiss to decide individually on Russian commodity deals

This content was published on Apr 19, 2022 Switzerland will decide case by case whether to curtail traders' purchases from Russia's state-controlled companies under EU sanctions.

Ukraine: what can stop the war?

This content was published on Apr 19, 2022 Inside Geneva host Imogen Foulkes asks whether war crimes investigations and sanctions might cause Moscow to reconsider its position in Ukraine.

Der frühere OSZE-Generalsekretär Thomas Greminger

Swiss mediator: Russia has ‘no interest in peace brokers’

This content was published on Apr 19, 2022 Former OSCE secretary general and Swiss ambassador Thomas Greminger believes Russia’s invasion of Ukraine marks the start of a new Cold War.

IOC responds to Swiss demand for exclusion of Russian officials

This content was published on Apr 18, 2022 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has justified the non-exclusion of Russian and Belarusian officials.

Swiss against joining NATO but in favour of closer cooperation

This content was published on Apr 17, 2022 Most Swiss want to see closer cooperation with intergovernmental defence alliance NATO. However, they do not want to become a member.

Volodimir Selensky und Ignazio Cassis schütteln die Hände

The whole world is discussing neutrality with us

This content was published on Apr 14, 2022 For weeks SWI users from all over the world have been contributing to a debate on Ukraine and neutrality in ten languages.

Economics Minister Parmelin at a news conference

Swiss tighten Russia sanctions and increase support for refugees

This content was published on Apr 13, 2022 The Swiss government has adopted a new set of EU trade and finance sanctions against Russia and Belarus over the war in Ukraine.

Russia’s suspension from UN Human Rights Council raises big questions

This content was published on Apr 13, 2022 We look at the implications of Russia's suspension from the UN Human Rights Council over “gross and systematic human rights abuses” in Ukraine.

Opinion

No business can be right in a war that’s wrong

This content was published on Apr 13, 2022 Western companies have a duty to stop doing business with Russia, argue four leading business ethicists.

Russia criticises Swiss diplomatic reaction to Ukraine

This content was published on Apr 12, 2022 The Russian foreign ministry has criticised what it labelled the “arbitrary” understanding of history of Swiss President Ignazio Cassis.

Refugee woman departs from train station

Switzerland seeks to protect Ukrainian refugees from exploitation

This content was published on Apr 11, 2022 Switzerland issues guidelines to help Ukrainian refugees avoid falling prey to human traffickers.

Ukraine calls on commodity traders to stop handling Russian oil

This content was published on Apr 11, 2022 Geneva-based Vitol, Trafigura, Glencore and Gunvor accused of helping Moscow receive ‘blood money’.

Greetings for refugees in Ukrainian and other languages in a classroom at the Holbein secondary school in Basel.

Switzerland will not cap number of Ukrainian refugees, says minister

This content was published on Apr 11, 2022 Switzerland is not setting a maximum limit on how many Ukrainian refugees it accepts, says the justice minister.

Buildings in Ukraine destroyed by Russian bombs

Ambassadors urge tougher Swiss stance against Russia

This content was published on Apr 10, 2022 The Ukrainian and United States ambassadors to Bern have called on Switzerland to redouble its efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia.

Remains of a missile outside the Kramatorsk railway station in eastern Ukraine

Switzerland protests Kramatorsk rail station bombing

This content was published on Apr 9, 2022 Switzerland has formally protested the bombing of the Kramatorsk railway station in Ukraine to the Russian ambassador to Bern.

Members of the Ukrainian collective Femen in VdR Festival, 2014

The war in Ukraine takes centre stage at Swiss documentary film festival

This content was published on Apr 8, 2022 The 2022 edition of the Visions du Réel film festival, which opened on April 7, puts a special focus on the war in Ukraine.

UN suspends Russia from human rights body over Ukraine

This content was published on Apr 7, 2022 The United Nations General Assembly has suspended Russia from the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council.

Croatia sees mediating role for Switzerland in Ukraine war

This content was published on Apr 7, 2022 Speaking in Geneva on Thursday, Croatian President Zoran Milanovic also praised the Swiss government’s “intelligent” stance in adopting EU sanctions.

Switzerland has frozen CHF7.5bn in assets under Russia sanctions

This content was published on Apr 7, 2022 Switzerland has so far frozen some CHF7.5 billion in funds and assets under sanctions against Russians to punish Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russia’s war in Ukraine highlights UN fault lines

This content was published on Apr 8, 2022 In some parts of the world, Russia's war in Ukraine has highlighted fault lines that could have a wider impact on global politics.

Men setting up temporary beds in refugee centre

Civil defence unit to help with Ukrainian refugees

This content was published on Apr 6, 2022 The Swiss government has given the green light for the civil protection organisation to support refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Explainer: what can the Red Cross do and not do in Ukraine?

This content was published on Apr 6, 2022 The ICRC fears false information about its work is putting at risk its staff and those it seeks to help. Here is what you should know.

Switzerland calls for urgent probe into alleged atrocities near Kyiv

This content was published on Apr 4, 2022 Reports of alleged violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine must be urgently investigated, say the Swiss authorities.

Ukraine war sparks European debate on merits of neutrality

This content was published on Apr 4, 2022 Various European nations with a history of military non-engagement are re-thinking their positions – including Switzerland.

Person hands over bank notes at a bank counter

Ukraine refugees struggle to exchange cash into Swiss francs

This content was published on Apr 2, 2022 Banks are refusing to convert Ukrainian cash from refugees into Swiss francs.

War and sanctions impact steel traders in Lugano

This content was published on Apr 1, 2022 Ticino is an important world centre for trade in metal products from Eastern Europe. The conflict in Ukraine and sanctions are having an impact.

Ukraine war threatens to derail development of new cancer treatments

This content was published on Mar 29, 2022 The war in Ukraine could disrupt hundreds of clinical trials for critical cancer drugs, many of which are being developed by companies in Switzerland.

People hiding in bomb shelter at Mariupol, Ukraine.

Red Cross urges Ukraine and Russia to agree on safe evacuations

This content was published on Mar 29, 2022 The International Committee of the Red Cross has called for an agreement for the evacuation of civilians from war-battered locations in Ukraine.

Most Swiss would support tougher sanctions against Russia

This content was published on Mar 28, 2022 A poll shows that a majority of the Swiss population would be in favour of tougher sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Protesters demonstrating against the war in Ukraine in Geneva

Ukraine urges Switzerland to clamp down on Russian money

This content was published on Mar 27, 2022 An advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says the Swiss should be more proactive in looking for Russian funds hidden in the country.

Switzerland slaps more sanctions on Russia

This content was published on Mar 28, 2022 The Swiss government has adopted further sanctions against Russia for its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Viktor Vekselberg

Meet the oligarchs: Switzerland’s awkward guests

This content was published on Mar 25, 2022 The Swiss authorities and media are busy hunting down links between Switzerland and sanctioned Russian oligarchs.

A walkout during Sergei Lavrov s speech at the Human Rights Council in UN Geneva.

Diplomatic isolation of Russia - a tricky strategy in International Geneva

This content was published on Mar 28, 2022 In Geneva, the war in Ukraine has prompted the West to exclude Russia from some international fora. Some fear the strategy could backfire.

Russian asset freeze reaches CHF5.75bn in Switzerland

This content was published on Mar 24, 2022 Switzerland has so far frozen some CHF5.75 billion of sanctioned Russian oligarch assets, with the total expected to rise.

child watching from window of departing train

Swiss open their homes to Ukrainian refugees

This content was published on Mar 23, 2022 We look at why and how host families in Switzerland are being “matched” with refugees, and in some cases finding each other.

Swiss economy holds up despite Ukraine uncertainty

This content was published on Mar 23, 2022 Economists have confirmed their previous growth forecast for Switzerland of just under 3% for 2022, but this is only in the most favourable scenario.

Switzerland triggers unprecedented special status for Ukrainian refugees

This content was published on Mar 23, 2022 Victims of the war in Ukraine get a special S permit which Switzerland has never used before.

Switzerland offers Moldova more funds to cope with refugees

This content was published on Mar 22, 2022 Switzerland has given Moldova an extra CHF2 million to help cope with a wave of refugees from neighbouring Ukraine.

Burned out cars next to building in Kyiv.

Swiss prosecutor taskforce sets sights on Russian war crimes

This content was published on Mar 22, 2022 Swiss federal prosecutors have formed a new unit to identify war crimes being committed in Ukraine.

Swiss companies fear Ukraine war squeeze

This content was published on Mar 22, 2022 Swiss industry, particularly chemical, engineering and food production, are already feeling the effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Swiss target holiday home in hurried clampdown on Russian oligarchs

This content was published on Mar 22, 2022 Officials are working overtime to track assets of people linked to Moscow in retribution for the invasion of Ukraine.

Swiss President Ignazio Cassis and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki

Poland wants Switzerland to confiscate Russian assets

This content was published on Mar 21, 2022 Poland's Prime Minister calls on Switzerland to seize sanctioned Russian assets that are frozen in Swiss bank vaults.

Swiss media on the lookout for Putin's alleged mistress – and Russian oligarchs

This content was published on Mar 20, 2022 Switzerland’s weekend press focused on the whereabouts of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s alleged mistress and blacklisted oligarchs.

A sign directing Ukrainians to a refugee center in Zurich

Swiss intake of Ukrainian refugees could be the largest in decades

This content was published on Mar 20, 2022 Switzerland may end up taking in far more Ukrainian refugees than initially expected.

Ukraine's embattled leader urges Swiss banks to drop Russian oligarchs

This content was published on Mar 19, 2022 The embattled leader urged Switzerland to take a stronger stance on Russian oligarchs, saying they help finance war crimes in his country.

An interior view of the museum The Nest during a media visit on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, in Vevey, Switzerland

Ukrainian officials shame Nestlé over Russia presence

This content was published on Mar 19, 2022 Ukraine's top government officials have accused the Swiss multinational of being complicit in Russia’s "war crimes" in their country.

Journalist Marina Ovsiannikova protesting Russian disinformation on state television

How to counter lies and propaganda in war zones

This content was published on Mar 18, 2022 Disinformation has proved a powerful weapon in the Ukraine war. What's fuelling this digital assault on truth and what can be done about it?

Swiss banks count cost of Russia sanctions

This content was published on Mar 17, 2022 "Banking can be a dangerous business if you deal with countries that are not democratic".

Swiss extend blacklist over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

This content was published on Mar 16, 2022 Switzerland has extended its list of sanctions against individuals and entities over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Switzerland's S permit for refugees from Ukraine

This content was published on Mar 16, 2022 Ukrainians fleeing the war will be granted an S permit upon arrival in Switzerland. It's the first time this permit will be issued.

Swiss step up financial and trade sanctions against Belarus

This content was published on Mar 16, 2022 Switzerland has extended economic sanctions against Belarus in line with a decision by the European Union.

Ukrainian refugees, safe and sound in Switzerland

Swiss businessman helps Ukrainian refugees

This content was published on Mar 16, 2022 Swiss entrepreneur Guido Fluri chartered a plane to evacuate Ukrainian refugees.

Russian clients have up to CHF200 billion in Swiss banks

This content was published on Mar 15, 2022 Swiss banks hold about CHF150 billion to CHF200 billion ($160-$214 billion) in assets belonging to Russian clients.

War in Ukraine reaches former Swiss colony of Shabo

This content was published on Mar 14, 2022 Exactly 200 years ago Swiss settlers founded the wine-growing colony of Shabo in Ukraine.

Russian oligarch Vekselberg hit with US sanctions

This content was published on Mar 14, 2022 US targets yacht and private jet belonging to Russian billionaire Viktor Vekselberg, who is resident in Switzerland.

Switzerland plans online registration for Ukrainian refugees

This content was published on Mar 14, 2022 Officials are planning online registration for Ukrainian refugees after long queues at Swiss federal asylum centres at the weekend.

Experts warn of hit to economy without Russian oil and gas

This content was published on Mar 13, 2022 Renouncing Russian oil and gas would have serious consequences for the Swiss economy, an expert has told a Sunday newspaper.

Ukraine refugees: federal asylum centres overrun

This content was published on Mar 12, 2022 Swiss federal asylum centres have reported extremely high numbers of refugees from Ukraine registering for protected S status.

Parmelin raises concern over sanctions on commodities

This content was published on Mar 12, 2022 Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin has warned of the global consequences should sanctions be imposed on Russia for the commodities trade.

Swiss finalise decision on ‘S permit’ for Ukrainian refugees

This content was published on Mar 11, 2022 More details were presented on Friday about the temporary permit to allow Ukrainians to live and work in Switzerland.

Authorities advise Swiss citizens to leave Russia

This content was published on Mar 11, 2022 The foreign ministry has advised Swiss citizens in Russia to leave the country, unless they have an urgent reason to stay.

Man walks through devastated street of Mariupol.

Switzerland approves CHF80 million in emergency aid for Ukraine

This content was published on Mar 11, 2022 The Swiss government has ramped up its humanitarian support to victims of the war in Ukraine.

Up to 60,000 Ukrainians could seek refuge in Switzerland

This content was published on Mar 11, 2022 Between 50,000-60,000 Ukrainians could seek protection in Switzerland following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to the Swiss justice minister.

woman outside shelled apartment building in Kyiv

Will Russia’s leaders be brought to justice for Ukraine war crimes?

This content was published on Mar 10, 2022 As the International Criminal Court opens an investigation on Ukraine, we look at the chances of Russia’s leaders being held to account for the war.

Swiss schools prepare for Ukrainian children

This content was published on Mar 10, 2022 As Switzerland prepares to host over 5,000 refugees, many schools across the country could soon be taking in children fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

Stay or go? Western consumer brands wrestle with Russian dilemma

This content was published on Mar 10, 2022 Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has led to an exodus of well-known western brands from Russia, but not every company has joined the rush.

Universities to review Russian research cooperation

This content was published on Mar 10, 2022 Swiss universities should review scientific collaborations with Russian universities and suspend them if necessary, says the sector’s umbrella body.

Switzerland condemns Mariupol hospital bombing

This content was published on Mar 10, 2022 Switzerland has condemned the bombing of a children's hospital in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, calling it an "inconceivable act of inhumanity".

Swiss Solidarity raises over CHF82 million for Ukraine war victims

This content was published on Mar 10, 2022 The humanitarian charity has raised over CHF82.6 million ($89.1 million) as part of a public fundraising effort for Ukraine.

President Cassis at desk with computer and headset

Church bells ring out to protest against war in Ukraine

This content was published on Mar 9, 2022 Switzerland’s main churches have organised a protest against the war in Ukraine.

Navigation

War in Ukraine

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Swiss government presents plans to boost gas reserves

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NGO fears Dubai gold imports evading Russia sanctions

More

Switzerland releases CHF3 billion of frozen Russian assets

More

Ukraine war is a windfall for Swiss arms industry

More

Russian oligarch’s holiday home blocked in Switzerland

More

Swiss universities receive hundreds of requests from Ukrainian refugees

More

What history tells us about sanctions

More

Swiss foundation clears mines in Ukraine

More

How welcoming is Switzerland for refugees?

More

Reader reaction to Ukraine war: ‘I see no difference – they’re all fleeing death in war’

More

US commission accuses Switzerland of hiding Russian assets

More

Swiss fighters join Ukrainian forces

More

The Russian diaspora in Switzerland walk a fine line

More

How Switzerland’s views on refugees have evolved

More

Switzerland mulls impact of possible EU ban on Russian oil

More

WEF further distances itself from Russia ahead of annual meeting in Davos

More

War puts spotlight on surrogacy in Ukraine

More

Viktoriia and Polina are now living with me

More

Swiss politicians defend Ukraine visit

More

Swiss block German request to re-export tank ammunition to Ukraine

More

The riddle of Russian money in Switzerland

More

Swiss charity raises millions for Ukrainian war victims

More

Migration head predicts most Ukrainians ‘will not stay in Switzerland’

More

Swiss block German request to deliver ammo to Ukraine

More

Number of refugees from Ukraine continues to rise

More

Canton Zug finds ‘no matches’ on Russian sanctions list

More

Russian media in Switzerland: A mix of propaganda and anti-regime critics

More

Swiss adapt housing policy for Ukraine refugees

More

Swiss jolted by bold EU reaction to Ukraine

More

Connecting with Ukrainian creativity one portrait at a time

More

Swiss to decide individually on Russian commodity deals

Ukraine: what can stop the war?

More

Swiss mediator: Russia has ‘no interest in peace brokers’

More

IOC responds to Swiss demand for exclusion of Russian officials

More

Swiss against joining NATO but in favour of closer cooperation

More

The whole world is discussing neutrality with us

More

Swiss tighten Russia sanctions and increase support for refugees

More

Russia’s suspension from UN Human Rights Council raises big questions

No business can be right in a war that’s wrong

More

Russia criticises Swiss diplomatic reaction to Ukraine