Ukrainian in Switzerland: ‘I loved Russia…but they threw me out’
Select your language
Generated with artificial intelligence.
Listening: Ukrainian in Switzerland: ‘I loved Russia…but they threw me out’
Stopped by Russian security guards, Moscow resident Natalia said she was for “peace in the world”. The response: a 20-year ban on re-entering the country.
This content was published on
1 minute
I cover international relations with a focus on Switzerland, lead journalistic investigations, and conduct deeply personal interviews on challenging topics.
Over 25 years in journalism. Graduated from Moscow State University's Faculty of Journalism and the French Press Institute in Paris. Former TV/radio host in France and Russia. I am a published author and documentary filmmaker who has interviewed presidents and rock stars.
I am an experienced video journalist passionate about making complex topics accessible and engaging through compelling multimedia storytelling. Focused on social and environmental issues, I produce various video formats on a wide range of topics, specialising in impactful explainer videos with motion graphics and stop-motion animation.
During my studies in cinema, English literature and journalism, I’ve gained experience in radio, television, and print across Switzerland. After working with the Locarno Film Festival’s image & sound team, I joined SWI swissinfo.ch in 2018 to produce local and international reportages.
Natalia, a 40-year-old Ukrainian who had lived in Moscow for over 15 years, was stopped at the Russian border, interrogated by federal security officers about her loyalty, and exiled for refusing to support the war. Her response – “I am for peace in the world” – was enough to trigger an entry ban until 2044.
This story is part of сloseUp – SWI swissinfo.ch’s new first-person mini-documentary format.Watch the full version on YouTube:
External Content
Trapped between two difficult situations – she can’t re-enter Russia and she can’t get Switzerland’s S protection status, reserved for Ukrainians who fled directly from Ukraine – Natalia now lives in Switzerland with an F permit, a limited form of temporary admission.
Separated from her husband, who remains in Russia, Natalia must navigate a long-distance relationship across national borders – while also living apart from her parents, who reside in a different region of Switzerland. But she continues to fight to keep her family together, across countries and cantons.
How Switzerland is caught up in Russia’s propaganda machine
This content was published on
Switzerland’s neutrality has not prevented it from becoming the target of fake news and propaganda from Moscow. An explainer.
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
Emigrating with family: what to do if a child doesn’t want to move
This content was published on
New surroundings, new school, new friends – emigration can be a daunting prospect for children. Two experts share their tips.
Kremlin critic: every handshake with Putin is ‘drenched in blood’
This content was published on
Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic who survived two poisoning attempts and a prison term in Russia, talks to SWI swissinfo.ch in Geneva about the dangers of negotiating with Vladimir Putin.
This content was published on
Two Swiss nationals accused by pro-Russian websites of fighting alongside Ukrainian troops deny any involvement in the conflict.
Ekaterina Glikman: ‘It pains me deeply to see what’s happening in Ukraine and Russia’
This content was published on
The deputy editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta Europe talks about the challenges of working as a journalist in exile in Switzerland, and how the new media outlet covers events in Ukraine and Russia.
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.