The Russians had hoped Switzerland would remain a “haven for Russian business – legal or not”, Boris Bondarev said in an interviewExternal link with Le Temps newspaper on Wednesday. “It was very naive, but that’s really how it happened.”
Bondarev resigned in May in protest at Russia’s war in Ukraine. He is currently in Switzerland.
He also said Russia’s strategy in the war was to wait for the West to get tired. “Moscow will ensure that Europe freezes this winter. To the point where public opinion puts pressure on politicians to demand that Ukraine negotiate with Russia,” he said.
Last week Russia rejected a protecting power mandate agreed by Switzerland and Ukraine, saying Switzerland was no longer neutral.
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Russia rejects protecting power mandate agreed by Switzerland and Ukraine
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Russia has said Switzerland is no longer neutral and cannot represent Ukrainian interests in Russia and Moscow’s interests in Ukraine.
Swiss major-general named acting head of UN observer force in Golan Heights
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Major-General Patrick Gauchat has been appointed acting head of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights.
Accidents up sharply among older skiers in Switzerland
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People over the age of 40 account for more than half of all ski injuries in Switzerland, a new study by insurance firm Suva shows.
Switzerland proposes strengthening rights of people with disabilities
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The Swiss government is proposing a package of new legislative measures to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in all areas of life.
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The Swiss artist Kurt Laurenz Metzler, known for his colorful sculptures made of fiberglass and polyester, has died in Zurich at the age of 83.
Historic Swiss bathhouse on Lake Constance destroyed in a fire
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In the northern Swiss town of Rorschach, the 100-year-old Badhütte (bathing hut) on the shores of Lake Constance burned down early Monday morning.
Trump picks Callista Gingrich as ambassador to Switzerland
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Incoming United States president Donald Trump has named Callista Gingrich as the next ambassador to Switzerland. Gingrich was posted to the Vatican under Trump's previous term.
Swiss invention: 90-year anniversary of first T-bar ski lift
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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
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Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.
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Russian diplomat in Switzerland resigns over invasion of Ukraine
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A Russian diplomat in Geneva has said he is leaving his post because of his disagreement with Moscow. He hopes the Swiss government will help him.
Switzerland takes over EU sanctions on Russian gold
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Switzerland, a major gold-refining hub, has followed the EU in banning Russian gold as part of new sanctions due to the war in Ukraine.
Swiss adopt Russian oil ban and other sanctions over Ukraine war
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The Swiss government has adopted the latest set of European Union sanctions against Russia and Belarus over the war in Ukraine.
Stay or go? The dilemma of Swiss companies in Russia
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Caught between potential damage to their image and having their businesses confiscated, Swiss firms active in Russia have a tough choice.
Russia rejects protecting power mandate agreed by Switzerland and Ukraine
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Russia has said Switzerland is no longer neutral and cannot represent Ukrainian interests in Russia and Moscow’s interests in Ukraine.
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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.