The FDFA commented on the current situation in Ukraine on Tuesday. Livia Leu, State Secretary EDA, said that Switzerland was “very concerned”. Switzerland condemned the recognition of the so-called People’s Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk by Russia. “Switzerland does not recognize the independence of these areas. They remain part of Ukrainian territory,” Leu said. She also called on Russia to comply with the Minsk Agreement.
The Russian ambassador in Bern was summoned to the foreign department on Tuesday morning, where he was informed of Switzerland’s position, Leu said.
Safety of the Swiss in Ukraine:
According to the FDFA, there are currently 269 Swiss nationals and dual nationals in Ukraine – ten of them in Donetsk. The Swiss Embassy is open and operational, and diplomatic tasks will continue to be performed, explained Ambassador Hans-Peter Lenz, Head of the FDFA Crisis Center.
The Federal Council agrees with the sanctions of the UN, but not those of the EU and the USA, said Livia Leu. The Federal Council will decide, it depends on how the situation develops.
“Switzerland is in a good position, also when it comes to financial issues,” says Leu. The banks would know well who owns what money. You can then block it quickly.
Consequences of the conflict for Switzerland:
If security in Ukraine were threatened, it would “massively upset the balance in Europe”. The consequences might be refugee flows.
Future relationship with Russia:
“States have no friends, they have interests,” said Leu. Switzerland is trying very hard to involve Russia more in the dialogue,” Leu concluded. One cannot conclude from this situation that dialogue has had its day.
