Russia’s war in Ukraine is waging a “devastating frenzy” and Switzerland is ready to pay the price for defending freedom and democracy, Swiss President Ignacio Cassis said on Saturday.
Switzerland decided to impose the same sanctions on Russia as the European Union, but Cassis insisted that Switzerland’s neutrality was not at stake. However, according to him, Switzerland cannot simply stand aside from the “confrontation between democracy and barbarism” and is ready to suffer an economic blow.
“On February 24, the face of the world changed, and not for the better. We must courageously and relentlessly defend freedom and democracy. It comes at a price. The price that Switzerland is ready to pay, “he wrote in the newspaper Le Temps. “This war is being waged with a devastating frenzy that destroys all the principles and values of our civilization.
Although there is no talk of an economic crisis or downturn, he said the conflict would affect the Swiss economy. He said the country would have to deal with “steady and significant inflation and rising energy prices” and that the Swiss franc would remain a “quiet haven” that would hit exports. “There is no solution that will save Switzerland from the consequences of the current situation by waving a magic wand,” he added.
Cassis also said that Switzerland would not send military support to Ukraine, but neutrality could not mean indifference. “Switzerland cannot tolerate this war without reacting to it. Russia has grossly violated the ban on the use of force, a principle enshrined in international law. By not acting, Switzerland will play the game of the aggressor, “the president said.