“In Europe, Switzerland is one of the states with the highest numbers of Russian intelligence officers operating under diplomatic cover, in part due to its role as a host to international organisations,” stated a press release on Switzerland’s Security 2023 report published on Monday.
The report warns that the threat to Switzerland has increased ever since it assumed membership of the United Nations (UN) Security Council this year. The peacemaking abilities of international organisations like the UN or the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has continued to decline and there are no signs of a stable new world order, it said.
“China and Russia want to transform the status quo of existing institutions, rules and norms,” warn the report’s authors.
Russia’s war against Ukraine will remain the focal point of Switzerland’s security environment. Swiss intelligence aims to prevent the movement of goods to Russia that could be used for sanctioned military activities. New regions like the Eurasian Economic Union, Turkey and India are now on the radar of intelligence officials because of strategic Russian procurement.
Wagner coup attempt
The abortive mutiny in Russia on Saturday has also captured the attention of the Swiss intelligence community.
“Our services have been monitoring the situation closely throughout the weekend,” said Christian Dussey, head of the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service, at a press conference on Monday. “We are now in a phase of de-escalation, but the rebellion led by Evgeni Prigojine and his Wagner group represents a significant development.”
But it is too early to pass judgement, he said, as many players are waiting to see how the tide will turn. Dussey made a comparison with the events of 1991 (the attempted putsch against Mikhail Gorbachev) and 1993 (Boris Yeltsin’s march on the Russian parliament). In both cases, the result was a clear strengthening of the state apparatus.
Popular Stories
More
Culture
Wealth is not all: how gentrification in Zurich has led to housing shortage
Swiss invention: 90-year anniversary of first T-bar ski lift
This content was published on
On Monday it will be 90 years since the world’s first T-bar ski lift went into service in Davos. This Swiss invention was an instant success.
Iran summons Swiss ambassador over US and Italy arrests
This content was published on
Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.
Swisscom receives greenlight for acquisition of Vodafone Italia
This content was published on
The takeover of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom is nearing completion. All relevant authorities have now approved the €8 billion (CHF7.45 billion) deal.
Novo Nordisk stock market plunge drags down Swiss device maker Ypsomed
This content was published on
The Danish pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, faced setbacks on Friday that weighed on the share price of Swiss injection device manufacturer Ypsomed.
Swiss press react to EU deal with mix of euphoria and scepticism
This content was published on
Swiss media reaction to the agreement between Switzerland and the EU varies widely. Some are celebrating, while others worry about what is to come.
Swiss Solidarity donations to tackle child abuse top CHF4 million
This content was published on
Swiss Solidarity, the humanitarian arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), has raised over CHF4 million ($4.3 million) to tackle child abuse.
In Switzerland, Chinese dissidents now know they are not alone
This content was published on
After protests erupted in China, some dissidents in Switzerland found the courage to make their voices heard for the first time.
Russian spies pose increasing threat to international Geneva
This content was published on
Dozens of Russian spies are known by the Swiss authorities to be operating in Geneva, which is home to many international organisations.
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.