A meeting was held between members of the Verkhovna Rada’s Inter-Parliamentary Relations Group with the Swiss Confederation and a delegation from Switzerland, including President of the National Council of the Swiss Federal Assembly, Maja Riniker.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Ukrainian side expressed deep gratitude for Switzerland’s unwavering support. The discussion then focused on deepening bilateral cooperation and further strengthening support for Ukraine amid the full-scale aggression.
Co-Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Relations Group, Oleksii Krasov, emphasized Ukraine’s firm position: «We are defending not only our territory — we are defending freedom, democracy, and the values shared by all of Europe.»
President of the National Council of Switzerland, Maja Riniker, reaffirmed Switzerland’s unwavering solidarity: «We are not just physically present here. Since day one of the aggression, Switzerland has been providing humanitarian support to Ukraine. Our country has become a temporary home for thousands of Ukrainians, and we have already allocated over 5 billion Swiss francs for aid, demining, and recovery projects.»
She also emphasized that despite Switzerland’s neutral status, it is not indifferent, as it actively contributes to building vital platforms for dialogue.
Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the EU, Mariia Mezentseva-Fedorenko, emphasized Switzerland’s vital role in delivering justice:
«Switzerland plays a key role in advancing justice — from the establishment of the Register of Damages to its support for a tribunal on the crime of aggression. This is more than policy — it is a signal to every Ukrainian that their pain will not go unanswered.»
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Swiss National Council, Laurent Wehrli, reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to Ukraine’s recovery: «We stand with Ukraine on the path of reconstruction — and we are preparing for it now,» he said, noting that Switzerland was the first to host a Ukraine Recovery Conference, even before the summit in Prague.
He underscored the importance of broad-based support at all levels:
«Swiss cantons and municipalities are actively engaged in supporting Ukraine — from welcoming refugees to ensuring access to education for children. We work with local communities, businesses, and public institutions to deliver practical help, not just declarations.»
Wehrli emphasized Switzerland’s early leadership in organizing the first recovery conference and highlighted the importance of continued joint efforts.
In conclusion, Swiss and Ukrainian parliamentarians reaffirmed their shared interest in strengthening interparliamentary dialogue, expanding humanitarian support, advancing reforms, and coordinating efforts to bolster Ukraine’s security and economic recovery.