Standing ovation and boycott boycott: this is how Selenskyj’s speech went in parliament Shoigu wants to impose a Wagner mercenary contract – Putin follows

On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered his speech to the Swiss Federal Assembly via video transmission. Selenskyj reiterated what he hopes for from Switzerland and thanked for what has been achieved so far. But it wasn’t just the speech itself that caused a stir – an overview.

High level of security in the Federal Palace

Although Volodymyr Zelenskyj only spoke via video transmission and was therefore not on site, there were exceptional security measures in the Federal Palace. The parliament building was swarming with policemen. Access to the foyer was closed to most people, as was the grandstand.

Zelenskyj’s speech

Shortly after 2 p.m., the speech of the President of Ukraine began. In this, Selenskyj recalled his country’s request for arms. Ukraine needs this to become a bottom of peace again.

At the same time, Zelenskyy thanked Switzerland for taking on the sanctions against Russia. He was aware of the discussions about the re-export of Swiss-made weapons, he said. Only together can you counter Russian aggression. In the fight against the aggressor, everyone who shares the values ​​of freedom and the rule of law needs maximum cohesion.

The Ukrainian president accused Moscow of war crimes. Every day there are drone and rocket attacks on civilian targets. Russia blew up the Kakhovka dam, it was a man-made disaster. In addition, the Russians cynically used the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant as a shield.

Zelenskyj also suggested that Switzerland hold a global peace summit and take the lead where it can best use its national expertise.

The speech ended after about ten minutes. “Thank you very much, dear Switzerland!” said Zelenskyj before closing with the classic “Slava ukraini”, “Honor of Ukraine”. The MPs responded with a standing ovation.

Parliament’s reactions

The speech was a sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, President of the National Council Martin Candinas (centre/GR) welcomed the guest to his speech. At the time, federal councilors had condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. That belief remains unchanged.

“Dear Mr. President, we admire the courage, courage and fortitude with which the Ukrainians are defending themselves against the Russian aggressor,” Candinas said.

The President of the Council of States, Brigitte Häberli-Koller (centre/TG), said goodbye and thanked Selenskyj. For a small country like Switzerland, it is of the utmost importance that the law of the strongest does not decide the fate of people and countries, she said.

According to Häberli-Koller, Ukraine is at the forefront of the fight to ensure that international law is respected. “This is in all of our interests.”

Häberli-Koller said there should be no doubt about Swiss support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Switzerland will contribute to the “colossal task” that is the reconstruction of Ukraine.

The SVP Boycott – With Exceptions

As announced, the SVP boycotted the speech of the Ukrainian president – but not completely. Both Bernese National Councilor Andreas Aebi and Schaffhausen Councilor of State Hannes German returned to the hall after the lunch break to listen to the Ukrainian president.

Aebi had already indicated in advance that it would probably refrain from a boycott. “When everyone in Vienna left the room because of the Russians, I stayed put,” he said. Before the speech he said he was torn, but he would probably stick with it and sit somewhere in the back of the room, which he actually did.

The presence of State Councilor Germann came as a surprise to many and he was subsequently a highly sought-after man by the media. His presence in the room was “an act of decency and respect”, Germann explained to “Blick”. “Zelenskyj is currently at war and watching his people die, he faces a humanitarian catastrophe.” He could therefore not fully understand the decision of his party members to boycott the speech. However, he respects the fact that everyone can have their own opinion on this subject.

Apart from the many absentees, the room was almost full, but a few parliamentarians were not there either. For example, the Zurich SP politician Daniel Jositsch, who had argued for neutrality in the Council of States.

Demonstrations from both sides

As part of Zelenskyj’s speech, there were demonstrations in the Bundesplatz.

There were supporters of Ukraine on the ground, as well as neutrality advocates opposed to Switzerland’s sanctions against Russia.

(dab, with footage from Keystone-sda)