Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended a United Nations Security Council briefing on the situation in Ukraine on 18 November, organised by the United Kingdom. On behalf of Switzerland, the Swiss foreign minister expressed deep concern about the recent massive attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. These attacks pose a significant threat to the civilian population as winter approaches. In light of the human suffering caused by the ongoing illegal war against Ukraine, the head of the FDFA reiterated in New York Switzerland's call for strict compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law.
Recent developments on the ground underscore the gravity of the situation: reports of foreign military support for Russia – including troops allegedly deployed from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea – indicate an increasingly widespread conflict. This is compounded by the destabilisation of food security and energy supplies, as well as the nuclear threat and risks related to nuclear safety.
“After 1,000 days of war, the guns must fall silent! It is time to find a diplomatic solution,” said Mr. Cassis at the Security Council, urging Russia to end its military aggression against Ukraine. However, building peace requires courage and a united commitment to advance the diplomatic process, engage all parties – including Russia – in dialogue, and consistently advocate for adherence to the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions, and the principles of humanity.
In June 2024, Switzerland hosted the first high-level discussion on peace at the Conference on Peace in Ukraine, held on the Bürgenstock. Switzerland remains ready to take on further responsibility in dialogue and mediation initiatives to promote peace in Ukraine, in full accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
