FM-'Swiss Cannot Represent Ukrainians In Russia As They Are Not Neutral'

Wires carrying comments from the Russian Foreign Ministry official Ivan Nechayev stating that Switzerland will not be allowed to represent the interests of Ukraine and Ukrainians in Russia through its embassy as Moscow no longer views Switzerland as a neutral state.

• Comes after an agreement reached yesterday between Kyiv and Bern on a draft protecting power mandate that would have seen Ukrainians in Russia able to use the Swiss Embassy in Moscow for consular services. However, following Switzerland joining in with Western sanctions on Russia as a result of the invasion of Ukraine, Moscow designated the Alpine nation an 'unfriendly country'.
• Switzerland has a long history as a diplomatic facilitator between adversaries, even doing so with Russia having represented the interests of both Moscow and Tbilisi following the 2008 invasion of Georgia.
• The lack of consular services could have a broader impact on the conflict and future path for Russia and Ukraine. The operation of the Swiss embassy as a de facto embassy for Ukraine could facilitate backchannel talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials. If Moscow does not accept Switzerland's role it could cut off the opportunity for behind-the-scenes negotiations.