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It is not diplomatic tones that Scott Miller, the US ambassador to Bern since the beginning of 2022, stands out in an interview with the NZZ. Miller sees Switzerland “in the worst crisis since World War II”. Why? The country is confronted with what neutrality means.

The ambassador believes that Switzerland cannot define itself as neutral and allow one or both sides to use its laws to their own advantage. However, that happens. “The Federal Council has banned other states from passing weapons to Ukraine to defend themselves and their critical infrastructure.” The aggressor – that is, Russia – that violates all principles of international law benefits from the ban on re-exports.

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Miller is now demanding that the Swiss parliament allow the re-export of arms as soon as possible. And: Switzerland could freeze many more Russian assets. So far it is about 7.75 billion CHF – according to the ambassador, however, another 50 to 100 billion CHF could be blocked. “The sanctions are only as strong as the political will behind them.”

The FDP says the American attitude is common in the West

Miller doubts whether the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (Seco) is tackling the issue with sufficient determination. Certain statements by Secretary of State Helene Budliger Artieda worried him because they questioned the usefulness of sanctions.

How does the Bundesbern react to the American reading? The State Department declined to comment. Center President Gerhard Pfister says Miller’s interview is not helping matters.

FDP President Thierry Burkart says: “The US Ambassador’s statements reflect the current mood in many Western countries towards Switzerland.” Switzerland must not hinder Europe’s security efforts – this attitude is widespread.

Several parties want to make indirect arms aid possible with a parliamentary initiative. Burkart is involved in the pursuit of a compromise. He also thinks it is right that the assets of Russians in Switzerland should be frozen – but he rejects expropriation solely on the basis of nationality.

Cédric Wermuth, co-chair of the SP, meanwhile points out that international diplomacy and his party assessed the work of the State Secretariat of Economic Affairs in the same way: “You offer passive resistance and do not really want to tackle the problem.” Wermuth shares the view from Ambassador Miller that Switzerland should join a task force to seize Russian funds.

The State Secretariat emphasizes that the Bundesrat has so far adopted nine EU sanctions packages and will soon decide on the tenth. Not all Russian funds are subject to sanctions and not all Russian citizens are sanctioned. Naturally, the Seco strictly implements the sanctions policy of the Federal Council.

The Seco also defended the controversial statement of the State Secretary. Budliger Artieda explained: The broader sanctions are supported internationally, the better they work. In the case of Russia, the sanctions have so far mainly been borne by Western countries.

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The SVP strongly criticizes the US ambassador. “He should not interfere in Switzerland’s internal affairs,” said group chairman Thomas Aeschi. The SVP stands for permanent, armed neutrality and rejects indirect arms supplies. And confiscation of assets without trial undermines the rule of law.

Aeschi notes that the exponents of the SVP had good relations with the former ambassador, who was a Republican. “Secretary of State Cassis should consider summoning Mr. Miller after his interview.” By subpoenaing the US for a debate, Switzerland was able to clearly show its displeasure.

Several lawmakers point out that the US has forced its ideas on Switzerland, both on the issue of dormant assets and on the issue of bank secrecy disclosure. It won’t be any different now.