Swiss ambassador
“Neutrality shouldn’t mean indirectly supporting the aggressor”
Claude Wild was Swiss Ambassador to Ukraine for four years. In a television program he spoke about his experiences – and about Switzerland’s position in the war.
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Claude Wild was Swiss Ambassador to Ukraine from 2019 to 2023.
Tamedia/Raphael Moser
Due to its neutrality, Switzerland is not allowed to deliver weapons to Ukraine – neither directly nor indirectly. The Ukrainian population cannot understand why the country is also blocking indirect arms deliveries.
REUTERS
However, Switzerland is particularly valued in the municipalities and oblasts of Ukraine, says Wild. “We do some things that others don’t do. For example, direct humanitarian aid on site with our own programs,” says Claude Wild.
20min/Ann Guenter
In terms of security policy, Switzerland clearly has an interest in Ukraine being able to push back the aggressor. However, Switzerland has no interest in becoming “useful idiots from an aggressor,” says Wild.
20min/Matthias Spicher
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Claude Wild was the Swiss Ambassador to Ukraine between 2019 and 2023.
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In an interview, he comments on Switzerland’s neutrality during the war.
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This is not always understandable for the people, but Switzerland’s work is valued above all in the municipalities and oblasts of Ukraine.
Claude Wild was the Swiss ambassador in Kiev until early 2023. In the TeleZüri show “Talk Daily” he spoke on Monday evening, among other things, about the difficulty of declaring Switzerland’s neutrality in Ukraine. “Switzerland does not necessarily make the figure that Ukraine would like to have in Ukraine,” says Wild. He is addressing that Switzerland does not deliver weapons to Ukraineneither directly nor indirectly.
“Ukrainians are well educated and know the history of our neutrality and fully understand that we cannot be part of NATO or any other military alliance.” However, the people cannot understand why the country is also blocking indirect arms deliveries.
Wild speaks of “neutrality fetishism”
Claude Wild says on the show that one can also ask oneself whether this procedure is in Switzerland’s security interests. “Neutrality shouldn’t actually be that you indirectly support the aggressor, which we are also accused of.”
Neutrality should serve to defend freedom and democracy in the country and to ensure security. “Are we going to achieve our goal with this position?” Wild asks. In terms of security policy, Switzerland clearly has an interest in Ukraine push back the aggressor could. However, Switzerland has no interest in “becoming a useful idiot from an aggressor”. You have to be careful not to fall into a “neutrality fetishism”.
“We do things that others don’t”
However, Switzerland is particularly valued in the municipalities and oblasts of Ukraine, says Wild. “We do some things that others don’t do. For example, direct humanitarian aid on the ground with our own programs.” Switzerland also supports programs that promote the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Finally, Wild demands: “Those responsible for the war must appear before a tribunal.” It is not possible in the 21st century to simply carry out a war of aggression with so many injured and dead. Claude Wild has been ambassador to Ukraine since 2019. After four years there is a rotation, which is why he will be ambassador in Strasbourg in the future.