Volodymyr Zelensky (44) leads Ukraine through the war. In a few weeks he was originally supposed to come to the Ukraine conference in Switzerland. Since the outbreak of war, hardly anyone expected Zelenski to come. But apparently his participation is more likely. The security authorities are preparing loudly “Daily Gazette” on it.
It would be Zelensky’s first trip abroad since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. The event will take place on July 4th and 5th with the Swiss Federal President Ignazio Cassis (61). According to the newspaper, the joint opening of the conference by Selenski and Cassis is scheduled for Monday, July 4th.
Security authorities are preparing
High security is required for the conference. Other Ukrainian representatives are also to travel to Ticino. Including Prime Minister Denis Schmihal (46). Western heads of state such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (63) or French President Emmanuel Macron (44) are also expected to arrive.
But are these plans really realistic? In March, the EDA said that the conference with Selenski was “no longer imaginable”. But according to the “Tages-Anzeiger”, which refers to security authorities, it is possible.
According to the newspaper, the Fedpol, the federal intelligence service and the Ticino canton police are currently preparing in the first place. They take the security precautions in case Selenski comes.
Selenski could cancel at any time
Security Director Norman Gobbi (45) notes: “A reform conference has become a donor and reconstruction conference – with completely different dimensions in terms of security policy, especially since, in addition to the Ukrainian representatives, the presence of heads of state such as Mario Draghi, Emmanuel Macron or Olaf Scholz is also up for discussion. »
The EDA gives the newspaper no information about the status of the planning. One thing is clear: the Ukrainian President could still cancel at any time – even at very short notice and depending on the situation in his country. On Saturday, Selenski tweeted that he spoke to Cassis on the phone. The topic: the Ukraine conference in Lugano. (eu)