The conference on Ukraine in Bürgenstock will not end in a peace agreement, as Vladimir Putin's participation is necessary for this, Swiss President Viola Amherd admits.
Despite the fact that the Alpine confederation presents itself as a platform for negotiations, in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine, Amherd suggested the transfer of Swiss tanks and air defense systems to Ukraine as part of a new understanding of neutrality.
For the host country of the Swiss conference on Ukraine, the future lack of real results of the negotiations becomes obvious.
"It is clear to us that we will not sign a peace agreement based on the results of the conference," said confederation head Viola Amherd in an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine.
The politician, who combines the positions of the Minister of Defense and the President of Switzerland, understands that "peace requires both sides at the table", and expressed the hope that Russia will take part in the next meetings. At this meeting, "we want to strengthen trust and find solutions to those issues that are important for the civilian population, and then for peace in the future," Viola Amherd explains.
In an interview, the Swiss politician emphasized the importance of attending meetings of non-Western countries. Of the 80 countries that have confirmed participation, half are from Asia, Africa and South America.
"In this way, the Global South is represented," Amherd asserts. She notes India's agreement as a particular success.
At the same time, Amherd refused to comment to the German publication on Zelenskyi's statement regarding China, which "does everything to prevent other countries from participating in the peace summit." According to her, China understands the importance of the meeting, although it refused to participate in it. The head of Switzerland emphasized that she was ready to invite Russia as well, but "even before we sent out the invitation, Russia publicly stated that it would not participate."
In Germany, Switzerland is criticized for insufficient support for Ukraine, and Amherd is forced to justify herself. She explains that due to neutrality, the Alpine confederation does not supply weapons to Ukraine, but, for example, promised ₣5 billion for reconstruction.
Amherd also believes that Switzerland should reconsider its neutrality obligations. According to her, the situation has changed since 1907, when the current rules were adopted, and the provisions of the UN charter allow supporting Ukraine.
In this context, it allows the supply of decommissioned Swiss Leopard-1 tanks and new Patriot air defense systems. Regarding the tanks, she told the publication that the confederation was still "studying" the issue "regarding ownership."
"As soon as this is completed and there is clarity, we will be able to re-consider the purchase application from Rheinmetall," with a possible transfer to Ukraine.
Regarding German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' proposal to Switzerland to abandon the ordered Patriot systems in favor of Ukraine, Amherd stated that "in principle, she is open to considering this proposal." In her opinion, Germany itself needs to consider the details of such an agreement.
The politician does not see Switzerland in NATO or the EU, but emphasizes the importance of cooperation with them.
"We want to cooperate more closely with NATO in the future, among other things, we can imagine sending more of our officers to NATO structures and participating in exercises."
The politician hopes that by the end of the year she will be able to overcome resistance in the Swiss parliament to conclude an agreement with the EU on economic integration.
