President of the National Council of Switzerland Maja Riniker sends a message of support to Ukraine
An exclusive interview of the President of the National Council of Switzerland Maja Riniker to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency
Text: Valerie Proshchenko
- Could you please tell us about the purpose of your visit to Ukraine? What are your impressions?
For more than three years, Ukraine has been at war. And from the very beginning, our parliament clearly said that we do not accept this war. And we condemned Russian military aggression against Ukraine.
It is my first visit to Ukraine. My visit is also a sign to the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian authorities. Firstly, it's a sign of solidarity. We want to show that we stand by your side. Stand with Ukraine. We share the same values.
Furthermore, it’s important for me to come personally and to have a dialogue with Ukrainian authorities. I wanted to see the projects for the reconstruction where Swiss institutions and companies are involved. And I think that's crucial now to send a signal that we still support Ukraine and we will continue to support Ukraine.
- As you mentioned, reconstruction, do you mean different areas?
Yes, during my visit, we met and consulted on several projects supported by Switzerland, not only reconstruction, but also humanitarian. . Switzerland supports projects in several territories close to the frontline. After the meetings in Kyiv, we travelled to Kharkiv. It’s closer to the frontline and we want to better understand the needs, listen to our Ukrainian partners, and show them our solidarity.
And also, we want to see the impact of our contributions and bring all these insights back home.
- But Switzerland is doing much more in Ukraine. But of course, we all would like to see the news about the weapon.
Well, the support of Switzerland is not only in regard to humanitarian aid. This is, for example, also about helping with reforms, reconstruction, energy, and demining projects that already make a huge contribution to your country. Also, in terms of the so-called good offices and dialogue platforms, which we also demonstrated by holding the first Ukraine Recovery Conference in 2022 in Lugano. Then, Switzerland and Ukraine jointly hosted the Ukraine Mine Action Conference in Lausanne in 2024. And, as you probably remember, last year, we organized a Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock. Actually, we were the first country that was able to host such a conference at a high level regarding the peace efforts.
- So, there was information that the Committee on Security Policy of the Swiss National Council wants to allow the supply of weapons to Ukraine under certain conditions. Do you think that it’s possible at all? Under what conditions can Switzerland reconsider its refusal to allow the use of Swiss weapons?
Regarding the weapons and their re-exportation. Yes, this topic came up during all my meetings in Kyiv. It's always important to explain what Switzerland’s neutrality means. It does not mean indifference. We always condemn Russian military aggression against Ukraine.
Right now in our parliament, there are two subjects being discussed. The first subject is about the re-exportation of weapons. This bill has been passed in one chamber. But to have this bill passed further, we have to get the second chamber. After that, there is going to be a referendum, and the population of the country will definitely vote on it.
If you ask me whether we can be sure that we will support you with weapons within the next months, I really have to say no. Let’s be honest. That's not a realistic way because the processes in Switzerland take much longer. But we do have, as I've already mentioned, other ways of supporting Ukraine.
The second law that is being discussed is an exception clause with regards to the exportation of weapons. But again, the final decision on changing the law will be taken by the population.
- Well, as I understand, it could take years…
As I've said, processes in Switzerland take longer, and this takes years. Yes. If we are going to have a referendum, we're not talking about months, it’s two or three years.
But Switzerland can support Ukraine in different ways, despite the non-delivery of weapons.
- There are other ways to support Ukraine. As the Ukrainian leadership has repeatedly called for, it is necessary to increase pressure on Russia to force it to sit at the negotiating table. What is Switzerland's position on this?
Well, the Swiss government has joined the 17th package of European Union sanctions against Russia, adopted in May 2025. But again, Switzerland does a lot. The solidarity and support for Ukraine is huge. We didn't only start supporting Ukraine when the war started in 2014 or 2022, our bilateral relations have been strong for over 30 years.
Since the 1990s, we have had close cooperation with Ukraine. I think it is a long and fruitful period of relationship between our countries. We share the same values, and that's the reason why we stand by your side.
- Yes, and we're grateful for that. But there is also another very important issue for Ukraine: Russian frozen assets. Given Switzerland’s knowledge in this field, do you see the possibility of pushing this question?
You'd probably expect from Switzerland as one of the financial hubs to give a contribution to your country. Discussions regarding this are ongoing. But we don't have the same situation as the EU in regard to using the windfall profits generated by Russian immobilized assets. Because in Switzerland these assets are not held by the Central Securities Deposit but by commercial banks. Therefore the don’t generate windfall profits. This is getting a little bit technical now. I don't want to get too deep into the discussion. Switzerland stands in contact with other concerned countries. but we do want to state that the discussions in these terms go on.
- With whom did you have meetings in Kyiv, and what topics were raised during the conversations? If you can share.
First of all, I've met the Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk. We had talks about our bilateral relations, about the Swiss support to your country, humanitarian programs, but also the recovery and reconstruction aid. That was the main theme. Also, I had talks with the parliamentary friendship group on further cooperation. I would like to underline that our parliaments really share a long and very important relationship, and this has to continue, and we will also meet again soon.
And then I've had a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We discussed different issues on how to support Ukraine.
- And I want to clarify exactly the number of Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland as of now?
Almost 70,000.
- Do you think that temporary protection for Ukrainians is going to be prolonged for the next years? Because probably some people would like to stay.
- Discussions on that are running in Switzerland right now. Sure, temporary protection will remain for now. But the important point I want to raise here is that we are really keen on getting as many Ukrainians as possible integrated into the labour market. That's really something we are now focusing on. From the first moment when the Ukrainian refugees arrived, we tried to create conditions for them to be fully integrated into the education system. I'm a mother, and I met Ukrainian kids in my childrens’ school classes. So I can assure you, they are fully integrated. But at the same time, our goal once the war is over, is to see as many refugees as possible going back to their country – because Ukraine really needs them for its recovery.
- Last year we had a peace summit in Switzerland. Since that time, a lot of changed in diplomatic direction. What role could Switzerland play in current diplomatic efforts?
Our peace efforts are absolutely necessary.. And Switzerland is appreciated by all states as a platform for dialogue. So we will be here when needed. Therefore, as a neutral state, Switzerland is definitely an ideal platform for dialogue. We are open to providing any help that is needed.
- So, for example, Geneva, Switzerland, could be a place for the next potential negotiations between Ukraine and Russia?
Absolutely.
- And the last question. What message do you want to send to the Ukrainians?
Firstly, we really admire your resilience, your willingness to fight for the rights and the values we share in Europe. We do stand by your side. I will go back to Switzerland and tell my people how important and well-received our support in Ukraine is. That's what I've heard and seen.
I really would like to come back, and hopefully, there will be peace and prosperity. And I wish your country and people to have the lives that you deserve. With freedom and rights.