The five civilians, who suffer from serious illnesses, were admitted to the university hospitals in Zurich, Lausanne and Bern.
They were selected by Swiss authorities based on their patient records, according to a statement by the cantonal health authorities on Wednesday.
In July, the Ukrainian embassy in Bern urged Switzerland to take in seriously ill and wounded people, but the government initially turned down the requests because of neutrality concerns and practical reasons.
The government changed its position following further consultations and amid public outcry over ignoring Switzerland’s long-standing humanitarian tradition.
More Ukrainian patients are expected to be put in hospital care later this year. It’s estimated that up to 20 people could be treated in Switzerland every month, according to the cantonal authorities.
A separate request for Switzerland – and other western countries – to take in children with physical or mental disabilities from Ukraine is still pending.
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Safra Sarasin private bank and former asset manager sentenced
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Philippe Lazzarini will step down as head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) at the end of his term in March, he announced on Thursday.
Swiss government predicts CHF845 million budget deficit in 2026
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Swiss authorities and firms agree to cut sugar in cereals, yoghurts and drinks
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Government against treating Ukrainian war-wounded in Swiss hospitals
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The Swiss federal government has objected to a NATO request to treat Ukrainians wounded in the war on the grounds of neutrality.
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