Swiss Soldiers 'Could Join Peacekeeping Force': Security Expert

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) A German security expert could imagine Swiss soldiers being part of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine after an eventual ceasefire. This content was published on March 31, 2025 - 14:10 2 minutes Keystone-SDA

• Italiano it Ucraina: esperta vedrebbe bene soldati svizzeri in forza di pace Original Read more: Ucraina: esperta vedrebbe bene soldati svizzeri in forza di pac
• Русский ru ((Швейцария могла бы послать миротворцев в Украину)) Read more: ((Швейцария могла бы послать миротворцев в Украину)

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If a peacekeeping force were to be deployed in Ukraine, it would be neither a NATO mission nor an EU mission, Claudia Major, who is a managing member of the US-based German Marshall Fund, told Tamedia Group Newspapers.

According to the expert, formerly head of the security policy research group at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), a 'coalition of the willing' is in talks to create a peacekeeping force. Membership of this coalition is open to all.

It is in Switzerland's interest to ensure a ceasefire and thus stability in Europe. If the eventual deployment of this peacekeeping force is not robust enough, Russia could wait and attack Ukraine again at a later date. So far, the Kremlin has not changed its objectives and is improving its readiness for deployment.

+ Swiss-hosted peace conference failed to meet fairytale expectations

Major considers the peace conference organised by Switzerland last year on the Bürgenstock a 'good attempt'. However, Russia has shown no interest in ending the war.

Süssli spoke of 200 soldiers

In an interview in mid-February, Swiss army chief Thomas Süssli said that Berne could provide 200 soldiers for a peace mission in the Ukrainian-Russian border area within nine to 12 months. This would take place in the event of a ceasefire between the two warring parties.

These statements provoked negative reactions. For example, it was criticised that Süssli had overstepped his role and that Switzerland's participation in a peacekeeping force was a political and not a military decision.

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Translated from French by DeepL/mga

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