Ukraine

Ukraine

Vaud moves to withdraw emergency aid from dozens of Ukrainians

Canton Vaud has moved to withdraw emergency assistance from roughly 40 Ukrainians whose applications for S permits were rejected. Several decisions have been appealed, while aid organisations and political parties have condemned the measure and questioned how vulnerable people will be supported during the legal process.

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International Relations

Switzerland Deploys 'Quiet Diplomacy' to Help Return Ukrainian Children from Russia

Switzerland has officially joined an international coalition focused on the return of thousands of Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia. This article examines Switzerland's diplomatic role and the challenges faced by the international effort to reunite families affected by the war.

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Foreign Policy

Switzerland Greenlights Private Sector Role in Ukraine's Reconstruction

The Swiss parliament has approved a bilateral agreement enabling Swiss companies to participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine. The framework allows for 'tied aid', where funds are paid directly to Swiss firms for projects, a measure intended to promote private sector involvement while controlling for corruption risks.

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Foreign Policy

In a significant foreign policy development, Switzerland has announced its intention to join an agreement to establish a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, a move praised by Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset.

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Foreign Policy

Moving from observer to full member, Switzerland has officially joined the international coalition led by Ukraine and Canada for the return of children abducted by Russia, marking a significant step in its foreign policy engagement.

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Politics

A majority of Swiss citizens, including those on the political right, are against further cuts to development aid, according to a recent survey by ETH Zurich. The poll indicates strong public sentiment for maintaining or increasing aid, even if it means not redirecting funds to support Ukraine.

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Foreign Policy

As part of its humanitarian aid efforts, Switzerland has delivered the first shipment of diesel generators to Kyiv to help stabilize Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The report covers the logistics of the aid package and Switzerland's ongoing support for Ukraine.

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Neutrality

In a dual policy move reflecting its complex neutrality stance, Switzerland will adopt the EU's ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports while also moving to legally enshrine trade restrictions on goods being exported to Ukraine that could be used in the conflict.

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Neutrality

The Swiss government is considering enshrining into law its emergency powers to restrict the export of goods to Ukraine that could be used in the conflict. While Switzerland has adopted EU sanctions against Russia, it has also restricted trade with Ukraine to ensure its neutrality, a policy the Federal Council now seeks to formalize.

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Foreign Policy

Aligning with the European Union's 19th sanctions package, Switzerland will impose a complete ban on the purchase and import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) from April 25, 2026, aiming to reduce Russia's revenues from fossil fuels.

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Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that the next round of negotiations on the war in Ukraine will again take place in Switzerland, underlining the country's continuing role as a key neutral ground for international diplomacy.

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Foreign Policy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that a new round of peace negotiations concerning the war in Ukraine will be held in Switzerland, underscoring the nation's continuing role as a central hub for international diplomacy.

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Ukraine

Two operational fire engines from Canton Zurich have been donated to a Ukrainian aid organization to support vital infrastructure in the country's eastern regions. The vehicles, while no longer meeting Swiss standards, are urgently needed to help crews on the ground.

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Refugees

In a landmark verdict, the Federal Administrative Court has set a legal precedent by ruling that Ukrainian refugees who had already been granted temporary protection in an EU or EFTA country are not permitted to stay in Switzerland.

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Geneva

The Kremlin has announced that Geneva will be the site for the next round of tripartite negotiations between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine, scheduled for February 17-18, reinforcing Switzerland's role as a key diplomatic hub.

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Foreign Policy

In his capacity as chair of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has traveled to Kyiv to reaffirm the organization's role in fostering dialogue and supporting efforts toward a lasting peace.

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Swiss Neutrality

A new survey shows a pragmatic stance among the Swiss population: while 80% remain committed to the principle of neutrality, a clear majority simultaneously supports supplying Swiss-made defense equipment, such as munitions, to Ukraine for self-defense.

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Swiss Neutrality

A recent survey highlights a nuanced Swiss public opinion: while over 80% of the population supports the principle of neutrality, a majority also favors supplying defense equipment to Ukraine for self-defense purposes. This reveals a pragmatic and flexible approach to the nation's long-standing foreign policy.

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foreign policy

The Swiss foreign ministry took a firm stance by summoning the Iranian ambassador to protest violence against demonstrators, while Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, in his new role as OSCE chairman, pledged to strengthen the organization's efforts for peace in Ukraine.

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