The conference on Ukraine in Bürgenstock will not end with a peace agreement, as this requires the participation of Vladimir Putin, Swiss President Viola Amherst admits.
Despite the fact that the Alpine confederation presents itself as a platform for negotiations, in an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Amherst suggested the transfer of Swiss tanks and air defense systems to Ukraine as part of a new understanding of neutrality.
For the country hosting the Swiss conference on Ukraine, the future lack of real results from the negotiations is becoming obvious.
"It is clear to us that we will not sign a peace agreement as a result of the conference," said Viola Amherst, head of the confederation, in an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine.
The politician, who combines the positions of Minister of Defense and President of Switzerland, understands that “peace requires both sides at the table,” and expressed hope that Russia will participate 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,” explains Viola Amherst.
In an interview, the Swiss politician stressed the importance of non-Western countries attending the meeting. Of the 80 countries that have confirmed their participation, half are from Asia, Africa and South America.
“This way, the Global South is represented,” Amherd says, citing India’s agreement as a particular success.
At the same time, Amherst refused to comment on Zelensky's statements to the German publication about China, which "is doing 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, but "even before we sent out the invitation, Russia publicly stated that it would not participate.".
In Germany, Switzerland is criticized for not supporting Ukraine enough, and Amherst is forced to make excuses. 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 commitments. According to her, the situation has changed since 1907, when the current rules were adopted, and the provisions of the UN Charter allow it to support Ukraine.
In this context, she 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 is still “studying” the issue of “property rights.”.
"Once this is completed and there is clarity, we will be able to reconsider the purchase request from Rheinmetall," with a subsequent possible transfer to Ukraine.
Regarding the proposal by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to Switzerland to abandon the ordered Patriot systems in favor of Ukraine, Amherst said that she is "in principle open to considering this proposal." In her opinion, the details of such an agreement should also be considered by Germany itself.
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.
