Analysis by the newspaper SonntagsZeitung claims that Ukrainian refugees are sometimes given significantly less money by certain cantons than other refugees who end up in Switzerland, reports 20 Minutes. While Switzerland has put in place a fast track asylum process for Ukrainians, which quickly provides them with an S visa entitling them to work in […]
Switzerland steps up sanctions against Russia and Belarus
On 13 April 2022, Switzerland’s Federal Council decided to adopt stiffer sanctions against Russia and Belarus. The new sanctions cover measures in the areas of trade, finance and transport and include bans on the import of coal, wood, cement, seafood and vodka, products that serve as important sources of revenue for Russia. Exports of kerosene, […]
No sign of Putin’s mistress in Switzerland, says government
Rumours have circulated for years that Alina Kabaeva, an alleged mistress and possible wife of Vladimir Putin, could have spent time in Switzerland with a number of children potentially fathered by the Russian president. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the rumours have resurfaced. The latest rumours centre on unverified reports that Kabaeva and her […]
Swiss in favour of new fighter jets but not higher military spending
Despite the war in Ukraine, a recent poll run by Tamedia suggests that an increase in Swiss military spending is not supported by a majority of voters, reported RTS. The poll showed that only 45% would support an increase in military spending, while 41% think it is sufficiently funded and 8% think Switzerland’s military budget […]
Nestlé pulls popular brands out of Russia
Under public pressure Swiss food giant Nestlé announced it would pull certain brands in Russia. After fierce criticism from Ukrainian politicians and members of the public the firm said it would continue to sell essential foods while pulling popular brands such as KitKat and Nesquik. A growing number of western brands have suspended their operations […]
Russia’s war in Ukraine: lessons from Afghanistan
By Edward Girardet The Soviet Union’s war in Afghanistan led to the collapse of the USSR. There are lessons to be learned from the Kremlin’s nearly decade-long failure trying to combat the mujahideen in Afghanistan. Given Russia’s incompetent but brutal war in Ukraine, now being directed primarily at hapless civilians, plus an already collapsing economy […]
Switzerland’s army could be beaten in a few days, says expert
According to a military strategy expert at Zurich University Switzerland’s army is “archaic”, reported 20 Minutes. Speaking to the SonntagsZeitung, Albert Stahel, a professor of military strategy, said that faced with an attack like the one in Ukraine Switzerland would only be able to resist for a few days. The Swiss military would have no […]
Russia’s UN political appointees silent on Ukraine
By William Thatcher Dowell Tatiana Valovaya, a political appointee who heads the United Nations Office in Geneva, represents one of the world’s most important humanitarian, trade and conflict resolution hubs. And yet, while the UN’s specialized agencies from UNHCR to WHO have denounced the carnage in Ukraine, Valovaya is silent. Valovaya’s uncomfortable situation highlights the UN’s […]
Swiss government open to offering free annual train passes to Ukrainian refugees
On Monday, the Federal Council responded favourably to the idea of offering GA travel passes to Ukrainian refugees, reported the newspaper Le Matin. The GA pass is an annual ticket that offers unlimited travel on trains, boats, buses and trams. A second class GA pass normally costs CHF 3,860 for an adult and CHF 1,645 […]
Swiss government issues special visa for Ukrainian refugees
On 11 March 2022, Switzerland’s government decided to issue special S visas from midnight, reported RTS. These visas will allow the holder to stay in Switzerland for a year and can be extended for longer if their safety is at risk. The S visas, something that has never been issued before, will allow employment, allow […]
