Switzerland to represent Ukraine diplomatically in Russia
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The only step remaining is Moscow's approval.
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Swiss could represent Ukraine diplomatically in Russia.
Ukraine has asked Switzerland to represent it diplomatically in Russia, Bern confirmed on Wednesday, emphasizing that the arrangement must be approved by Moscow.
Switzerland, known for its neutrality, has stated that it is prepared to provide diplomatic assistance and act as a go-between. The Foreign Ministry revealed that Ukraine has asked Switzerland to "assume a protecting power mandate" for Kiev in Russia, confirming a story in the Luzerner Zeitung newspaper.
The Foreign Ministry explained that such protecting power mandates "allow states to maintain low-level relations and provide consular protection to nationals of the other state concerned." "The corresponding negotiations have been completed," a Ministry spokeswoman told AFP in an email.
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She did not provide further details about the duration or content of the negotiations, emphasizing that "discretion is a crucial element in providing good service." But the spokeswoman stressed that "in order for the protecting power mandate to come into force, Russia still has to give its consent."
This could be difficult, because Moscow has been enraged by Bern's decision to follow the European Union in imposing sanctions on Russia, reportedly questioning whether Switzerland can still be considered neutral.
Switzerland has a long history of acting as a protectorate, beginning with the Franco-Prussian War in 1870-71.
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The wealthy Alpine country, which has held such mandates hundreds of times since then, now represents the diplomatic interests of a number of countries facing similar challenges. It represents US interests in Iran, and Iran's interests in Canada.
It also represents Iranian interests in Saudi Arabia and vice-versa, and Iranian interests in Egypt. And, notably, it represents Russian interests in Georgia and vice-versa.
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