That happens between Russia and Switzerland

Following Russia's attack on Georgia in 2008 and the rupture of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Embassy of Switzerland in Moscow represents Georgia's interests, and the Embassy of Switzerland in Tbilisi - the interests of Russia, - writes Vitaliy Portnikov for Radio Svoboda. Video day would seem, and in this case it was quite logical to contact Switzerland.

But now the Ukrainian desire to negotiate with Bern hinders Russian unwillingness to perceive Switzerland as a neutral country. This is, of course, not "punishment" of Ukraine. If Russia is strongly rejected by Swiss mediation, two countries will sooner or later find a state that will be able to represent Russia's interests in Ukraine and the interests of Ukraine in Russia. This is, of course, an attempt to "punish" Switzerland. The country has provided its intermediary services for centuries.

During the First World War, Switzerland represented the interests of 18 states, during the Second World War - the interests of 35 states, which was as much as 200 "protective mandates". Even in the postwar period, Swiss services are constantly resorted to. Among the "main clients" of Swiss diplomats, such as Iran. Switzerland represents his interests in a number of states, even in the United States.

So, we can say that the "protective mandate" is a reputation of Switzerland, effective proof of its neutrality. During the First World War, Switzerland represented the interests of 18 states and here a state appears that it is refused Swiss services, because Switzerland is no longer a neutral state. This is, of course, not true.

Switzerland also retains neutrality in the present war even when representatives of European countries publicly appeal to its government to allow the supply of military equipment produced in Switzerland to Ukraine. But every time the Swiss Federal Council rejects these requests. In Switzerland, they even refused to treat wounded Ukrainian military, although this decision was seriously criticized. In particular, former Presidents of Ruth Dreyfus and Didier Burkhalter disagreed with him.

"Neutrality is not indifference" Why then Russia abandons Swiss services and declared the Alpine Republic a "unfriendly state"? And because after Russia's attack on Ukraine, Switzerland retreated from its traditional policy and joined many European restrictions on Russia. The words of the President of the Injacian Cassis that "neutrality is not indifference" and that "playing in the hand of the aggressor is not neutral" will be included in the history of Swiss policy and international law.

Yes, Switzerland limits military assistance to Ukraine, but is actively facilitating in all other aspects. Even a significant conference on the future of Ukraine was held in Swiss Lugano. But that does not mean that Switzerland has changed. This country has always sought to respect international law - because its society has never perceived aggression as a policy norm.