Surprise visit to Kiev: Federal President Ignazio Cassis (61) traveled to Ukraine on Thursday. During his 24-hour visit, he also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (44).
Cassis’ trip to the Ukraine is received differently by female foreign politicians. “It is very courageous that the Federal President is now traveling to Kiev,” said FDP National Councilor Christa Markwalder (47, BE) about her party colleague. Mainly because of the current situation, in which Russia is also attacking the Ukrainian capital with kamikaze drones.
FDP-Markwalder: “Great expression of solidarity”
She considers the visit all the more important: “It is a great expression of solidarity with Ukraine and its civilian population, which is so brutally attacked by the Russians every day.”
Personal exchange is important. Particularly in the aftermath of the Lugano Conference, it was necessary to discuss how reconstruction should proceed. In addition, it could be clarified how Switzerland could increase humanitarian aid.
Cassis also receives support from Central National Councilor Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter (58, BL). On his journey he was able to get an overview of the situation. “It is also important that he can be informed about what Switzerland’s humanitarian aid in Ukraine looks like in concrete terms.”
SVP-Büchel: “Part of the propaganda”
SVP Landsraadslid Roland Rino Büchel (57, SG) sounds very different: Cassis is making himself part of the propaganda with his journey. “It is clear what Ukraine wants: money, weapons and a show,” Büchel lamented. “It’s not good if the Federal President is part of this show.”
He is convinced that Switzerland cannot achieve such a thing. Instead, the visit jeopardizes Switzerland’s neutrality and complicates a possible role as a mediator. “We can no longer play our role as an intermediary if we choose sides too hard – obviously for everyone.” (rus/ew)