President Selenskyj appears again in Switzerland – this time in Zurich. Thousands of people celebrate the mermaid parade in New York

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj had just spoken to the Swiss parliament via video link. “Thank you very much, dear Switzerland!” he said before the United Federal Assembly on Thursday. He called on Switzerland to participate in a “global peace summit”. And received a standing ovation.

A week later, Selenskyj reappears via video link in Switzerland. Like on September 29, 2022 at the Europa Institute of the University of Zurich. This is confirmed by Artem Samorodov, scientist, lawyer and co-organizer of Zelenskyj’s performance. Professor Andreas Kellerhals, director of the Europa-Institut, is the other co-organiser.

President Zelenskyj will give a 15-minute introductory speech to students, professors, canton representatives, foundations, companies and non-governmental organizations at the University of Zurich. A 45 minute interview is then scheduled.

The event will take place under the motto «Ukraine 2.0: science, innovations and education». Ukraine needs knowledge, says Samorodov. “A central question is therefore how technology transfer and implementation can work.” The event aims to answer these questions.

“But Ukraine doesn’t just want knowledge,” emphasizes Samorodov. “She is also willing to share modern technologies, innovations and experiences in rescuing people.” Just as she is willing to share insights into military operations and dealing with the catastrophic aftermath of the Russian invasion.

There was talk of a personal journey

In the run-up to the event in Zurich, it was discussed whether President Zelenskyj would actually travel to Switzerland this time, says Samorodov. But this was not possible because of the Russian aggression and the catastrophe with the Kachowka dam.

On Thursday, the Ukrainian president will make his sixth virtual visit to Switzerland in the past 15 months. It all started on March 19, 2022, when Zelenskyy spoke in a video address to thousands of people at the Bundesplatz in Bern. This was followed by online appearances at the Lugano conference, at the University of Zurich, at the World Economic Forum WEF in Davos and in parliament.

The density of performances is no coincidence, says Samorodov. President Zelenskyj greatly appreciates Switzerland’s support. In his first speech at the University of Zurich, he also said that Switzerland was of particular importance to him. In fact, she is the reason why he ran for president.

This is Selenskyj’s second appearance in Zurich. This has a lot to do with the city’s international reputation as an economic and financial center. No wonder large companies such as UBS, Swisscom and Zurich Insurance are also invited. (aargauerzeitung.ch)