Switzerland condemns Russian ‘invasion’ in strongest terms
People hurrying to catch a train as they leave the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday
Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved
The Swiss foreign ministry has issued a statement strongly condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine as an “invasion”. It called on Russia to immediately cease its “military aggression” and withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/Reuters/ts
Español
es
Suiza exige a Rusia cesar agresión militar contra Ucrania
“This is a gross violation of international law,” the foreign ministry tweeted on Thursday. “International humanitarian law must be respected. We are very concerned about the danger to innocent civilians.”
The ministry recommended that Swiss nationals in Ukraine leave the country by their own means if it appeared possible and safe to do so. It also advised Swiss not to travel to Ukraine. The foreign ministry advised Swiss nationals who need assistance to contact the Swiss embassy in Kyiv, which remains operational.
Charity Caritas Switzerland said it had made an emergency contribution of CHF200,000 ($217,000). Together with Caritas Ukraine, this will provide people in eastern Ukraine with the most basic necessities, it said. Donations can be made on its websiteExternal link.
EU sanctions
European Union leaders will discuss tough new sanctions on Russia at an emergency meeting on Thursday in reaction to its “barbaric attack” on Ukraine, the 27-nation bloc’s officials said.
Russian forces fired missiles at several cities in Ukraine and landed troops on its coast on Thursday, officials and media said, after President Vladimir Putin authorised what he called a special military operation in the east.
The EU approved a first round of sanctions on Wednesday, including blacklisting Russian politicians and curbing trade between the EU and two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine whose independence Putin has recognised.
Shortly after Putin spoke in a televised address on Russian state television, explosions could be heard in the pre-dawn quiet of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. Gunfire rattled near the capital’s main airport, the Interfax news agency said, and sirens were heard over the city.
More
More
Swiss hesitant to impose sanctions on Russia over Ukraine crisis
This content was published on
The Swiss government wants to ensure that the country will not be misused to dodge the sanctions against Russia taken by the EU.
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
The image of foreigners in Switzerland has deteriorated
This content was published on
The Federal Statistical Office has found that Swiss people’s views of foreigners have worsened over the last couple of years.
After mild winter, nature wakes up earlier in Switzerland
This content was published on
Once again this year, nature has woken up earlier than normal, between a week and ten days ahead of schedule due to a mild winter.
Computer failure disrupts air traffic at Geneva airport
This content was published on
A computer breakdown has disrupted operations at Geneva Airport since midday on Tuesday. Significant delays are expected.
Swiss show high willingness to pay for sustainable flats
This content was published on
Tenants in Switzerland are in favour of sustainable flats. However, the willingness to pay differs by income according to a new study.
Swiss customs intercepted over 200 tonnes of smuggled meat in 2024
This content was published on
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security intercepted around 208 tonnes of smuggled meat at border crossings in 2024.
Switzerland faces infrastructure gaps for CO2 capture
This content was published on
Switzerland must actively remove CO2 from the air in order to become climate-neutral by 2050. However, the infrastructure for this isn't sufficient.
Swiss parliament prohibits sale of Swiss space company Beyond Gravity
This content was published on
The Swiss parliament has said that the Swiss government should not sell the Swiss space company Beyond Gravity, which is part of RUAG.
This content was published on
Amid further escalations of the crisis in Ukraine, Swiss International Air Lines has decided to temporarily suspend flights to Ukraine from next week.
Swiss mull sanctions over Russia’s aggression against Ukraine
This content was published on
The Swiss foreign ministry has accused Russia of breaking international law and violating Ukraine's territorial integrity over two breakaway regions.
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.