Volodymyr Zelensky flatters Parliament: “Thank you, dear Switzerland!”

No wonder then that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (45) seizes every opportunity to ask governments and parliaments for solidarity and support. He also did that for the federal councilors on Thursday.

Selenski creates closeness

Selenski repeats a pattern that characterizes his speeches. First of all, he impressively sketches the suffering of the Ukrainian people. He talks about children who have to hide from rocket attacks in protective bunkers. Of frightened people who want to live in peace. And of the Russian attackers, who must be fought together.

He then discusses agreements linking Ukraine and the respective countries. The pursuit of peace, freedom, independence, for example. Common core values. In this way, Selenski creates closeness – and yes, he also creates sympathy points. Selenski knows he creates identification with it. Your values ​​are our values, our fight is your fight.

Selenski flatters the souls of men

And he knows how to skillfully respond to the peculiarities of his addressees. Switzerland as a country of good services. A tradition of which Parliament and the people are particularly proud. A card that Selenski deliberately plays: Switzerland should hold a global peace summit. An opportunity where Switzerland can make the most of its national expertise. That flatters the Swiss soul! Even the SVP parliamentarians who boycott Selenski’s performance warm their hearts.

Selenski also repeatedly emphasizes the coherence that is now needed. A magic word for Switzerland, a nation of will, in which national cohesion is repeatedly invoked.

Unwillingness on the issue of guns

On the other hand, the Ukrainian president is remarkably reticent when it comes to direct demands. It does refer to the debate on indirect arms supplies that the House of Representatives is currently conducting. And he says he hopes Switzerland will give way. But he does not formulate his expectation as a specific demand, but as a friendly request. “We are asking for arms shipments so that Ukrainian soil can become a territory of peace again,” he said.

And again: thank you. Thanks to Parliament. Thanks to Switzerland. Thanks to the people. For Switzerland supporting the EU sanctions. For the fact that Switzerland did not remain indifferent to the suffering of the Ukrainian people.

Intrusive but sober

It is not the first time that Selenski has addressed the Swiss population. As early as March 2022, he engaged via video during a peace meeting at the Bundesplatz. At the time, he attacked the Swiss banks “which keep the money of all those who started this war”. He lashed out at Swiss companies that did not want to leave Russia. And called on Switzerland to “fight against evil”.

This time Zelensky’s speech is terrifying, but much more sober than a year ago, when Ukraine’s survival was far from assured a few weeks after the outbreak of war. Now Selenski sounds more confident. Almost certain of victory.

Opinions have been around for a long time

Selenski’s speech will hardly have any direct influence on political decisions in this country. After more than a year of war, parliamentarians have long known what Ukraine hopes and expects from Switzerland. Opinions about where and why people want to support Ukraine – or not – have long been made.

Selenski’s speech has a much more psychological aspect. It is about strengthening the will to persevere. To remember Ukraine’s struggle, so that Western support and solidarity do not dry up. So Zelensky’s speech is above all one thing: encouragement for Ukraine supporters.