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.
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
Switzerland to host Ukraine mine action conference in October
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Together with Ukraine, Switzerland is organising the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC2024) in Lausanne on October 17 and 18.
Switzerland revises pension expenditure downwards by billions
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The Swiss government has corrected downwards the projected expenditure on old-age and survivor insurance in 2033 by CHF2.5 billion ($2.66 billion).
Excess mortality rate post-Covid could persist until 2033
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According to a report by reinsurer Swiss Re, many countries are still experiencing excess mortality following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Swiss Army ends clean-up operation in storm-hit Maggia Valley
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The Swiss Armed Forces completed 76 flight hours during the clean-up operation following the storm in the Maggia Valley in Ticino at the end of June.
Swiss cruise ship stranded on Danube River after heavy rains
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Passengers on a Swiss river-cruise ship stranded on the Danube following heavy rainfall are still unable to disembark in Vienna due to flooding.
Golden eagles get better at flying over time, say Swiss researchers
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Golden eagles perfect their flight as they age and learn to make better use of air currents, says a new study co-produced by Swiss researchers.
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Public libraries in Switzerland recorded 46.3 million admissions last year, 7.4 million more than in 2022, says the Federal Statistical Office.
Swiss conservative party seeks referendum against Eurovision contest
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The Swiss Federal Democratic Union is launching a referendum to prevent the Eurovision Song Contest from taking place in Basel next year.
Switzerland nabs 15 medals at WorldSkills championship
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Swiss professionals have won 15 medals at the WorldSkills Championships in Lyon, France for the best finish by a European nation.
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.
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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
This content was published on
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.