Switzerland condemns Russian ‘invasion’ in strongest terms
The Swiss foreign ministry has issued a statement strongly condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine as an “invasion”. It called on Russia to immediately cease its “military aggression” and withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/Reuters/ts
Español
es
Suiza exige a Rusia cesar agresión militar contra Ucrania
“This is a gross violation of international law,” the foreign ministry tweeted on Thursday. “International humanitarian law must be respected. We are very concerned about the danger to innocent civilians.”
The ministry recommended that Swiss nationals in Ukraine leave the country by their own means if it appeared possible and safe to do so. It also advised Swiss not to travel to Ukraine. The foreign ministry advised Swiss nationals who need assistance to contact the Swiss embassy in Kyiv, which remains operational.
Charity Caritas Switzerland said it had made an emergency contribution of CHF200,000 ($217,000). Together with Caritas Ukraine, this will provide people in eastern Ukraine with the most basic necessities, it said. Donations can be made on its websiteExternal link.
EU sanctions
European Union leaders will discuss tough new sanctions on Russia at an emergency meeting on Thursday in reaction to its “barbaric attack” on Ukraine, the 27-nation bloc’s officials said.
Russian forces fired missiles at several cities in Ukraine and landed troops on its coast on Thursday, officials and media said, after President Vladimir Putin authorised what he called a special military operation in the east.
The EU approved a first round of sanctions on Wednesday, including blacklisting Russian politicians and curbing trade between the EU and two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine whose independence Putin has recognised.
Shortly after Putin spoke in a televised address on Russian state television, explosions could be heard in the pre-dawn quiet of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. Gunfire rattled near the capital’s main airport, the Interfax news agency said, and sirens were heard over the city.
More
More
Swiss hesitant to impose sanctions on Russia over Ukraine crisis
This content was published on
The Swiss government wants to ensure that the country will not be misused to dodge the sanctions against Russia taken by the EU.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
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.
This content was published on
Amid further escalations of the crisis in Ukraine, Swiss International Air Lines has decided to temporarily suspend flights to Ukraine from next week.
Swiss mull sanctions over Russia’s aggression against Ukraine
This content was published on
The Swiss foreign ministry has accused Russia of breaking international law and violating Ukraine's territorial integrity over two breakaway regions.
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.