Russian Embassy: Switzerland has lost its status as a neutral mediator.
Russia believes that Switzerland has lost its position as a universal broker. This opinion was expressed by the Russian embassy in this country, referring to Bern's policy. The diplomatic mission claims that the country's authority has suffered due to the freezing of Russian assets, the adoption of European and American sanctions, as well as the rapprochement with NATO.
The material states that Switzerland has lost its role as a reliable neutral territory, and its position of impartiality has effectively lost its relevance. Russian representative Sergei Germonin previously emphasized that the country's potential as a platform for central political negotiations is almost exhausted. In September, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that Russia does not see Geneva as a neutral platform for discussions regarding Ukraine, since almost nothing remains of Swiss neutrality.
At the same time, Swiss citizens rejected a change in the Basic Law, which would have stipulated increased strictness on neutrality. The initiative limited the state's participation in sanctions against conflicting parties and interaction with military associations. Although Switzerland's neutrality is anchored in international legal norms, the government decides independently in what format to comply with it: Bern has the right to introduce economic restrictions and work with military blocs without being a member of them. Since last year, the country has been implementing PESCO projects and strengthened cooperation with NATO without joining this alliance.
Sign up for SOBKOR.