Under the slogan “Stand with Ukraine,” demonstrators marched to the square in front of the federal government building on Saturday afternoon. Many waived Ukrainian flags and chanted: “Not a single franc to the aggressor.”
According to estimates from Keystone-SDA news agency’s correspondent on the spot, some 2,000 people took part in the demonstration, which was organised by the Ukrainian Association of Switzerland along with several political parties, trade unions, and civil society groups.
They called for more support for the people of Ukraine, effective implementation of sanctions and an active peace policy by Switzerland, according to the organisers.
Several Swiss parliamentarians gave speeches in front of the federal government building. Ukrainian ambassador to Switzerland, Iryna Venediktova, also spoke to the crowd, making a plea for weapons.
Parliament is currently debating whether to allow the re-export of weapons. Under its neutrality laws and a separate arms embargo, Switzerland is prohibited from sending weapons directly to Ukraine.
Bern has previously blocked requests from Germany, Spain and Denmark to allow Swiss-made munitions and military equipment they have previously bought to be re-exported to Ukraine. However, the Swiss public and politicians are increasingly divided on the issue.
Popular Stories
More
Culture
Documentary portrays Swiss teenagers forced to return to parents’ homeland
French cross-border workers in Switzerland fear ‘discriminatory’ unemployment reform
This content was published on
In the French region around Geneva, cross-border workers are protesting proposals to cut unemployment benefits for those working in Switzerland.
Swan infected with bird flu in central Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland has reported its first bird flu case of the season. A swan found dead in central Switzerland tested positive for the H5N1 virus.
Swiss researchers identify gene variants linked to cancer progression
This content was published on
ETH Zurich researchers explored genetic mutations’ effects on cell function and their role in cancer development and treatment using CRISPR/Cas techniques.
Explosion at Swiss company Givaudan’s US plant leaves two dead
This content was published on
Swiss flavour and fragrance maker Givaudan reported that an explosion at its Kentucky plant resulted in two deaths and several injuries.
Swisscom’s Vodafone Italia takeover cleared by Italian telecoms authority
This content was published on
Swisscom is one step closer to its planned acquisition of Vodafone Italia, as the Italian communications regulator has approved the €8 billion deal.
Swiss parliamentary committee proposes foreign aid cuts and military funding boost
This content was published on
A committee of the Swiss House of Representatives has proposed increasing funds for the military and agriculture while reducing foreign aid and asylum.
Swiss Rolex Submariner watches reach nearly $50 billion in total market value
This content was published on
The total market value of all Rolex Submariner watches ever made is nearly $50 billion, based on newly released production data.
Swiss Jew wrongfully detained due to prosecutor’s ‘bias’
This content was published on
A Jewish Swiss man was detained after the prosecutor argued he might flee to Israel. The Federal Court said this implies bias due to his Jewish faith.
US reportedly scrutinises Russian accounts UBS took over from Credit Suisse
This content was published on
The US is investigating Russian clients acquired by UBS during its takeover of Credit Suisse, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
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.
Read more
More
Germany asks Switzerland to greenlight sale of old Leopard tanks
This content was published on
Germany has asked Switzerland to sell some of its decommissioned Leopard 2 tanks to replenish arsenals of countries sending tanks to Ukraine.
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.