Russian attack on Ukraine

Switzerland and Ukraine agree draft protecting power mandate

This content was published on Aug 10, 2022 The two countries have concluded a mandate for Switzerland to represent Ukrainian interests in Russia. Moscow is however reluctant.

Swiss and Estonian talks focus on Russian aggression

This content was published on Aug 6, 2022 Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas have met in Bellinzona.

Almost 10% of eligible Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland have a job

This content was published on Aug 4, 2022 A total of 9.4% of adults in possession of a special “S” permit are in work, with most employed in the restaurant sector.

Ex-prosecutor general proposed as Ukraine’s ambassador to Switzerland

This content was published on Aug 4, 2022 The recently dismissed Ukrainian Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova has been proposed as her country's new ambassador to Bern.

Switzerland takes over EU sanctions on Russian gold

This content was published on Aug 3, 2022 Switzerland, a major gold-refining hub, has followed the EU in banning Russian gold as part of new sanctions due to the war in Ukraine.

Worker sticks Donated By Switzerland sticker on cargo destined for Ukraine

What it takes to deliver aid in war-torn Ukraine

This content was published on Aug 2, 2022 Switzerland is among the donors trying to provide humanitarian aid to civilians. What does it take to respond effectively when war breaks out?

Watchdog extends protective measures at Sberbank Switzerland

This content was published on Aug 2, 2022 FINMA has extended previously imposed protective measures at the Zurich-based subsidiary of Russian bank Sberbank.

Ukrainians receive humanitarian aid in Kharkiv

Swiss fundraising effort creates tensions with Ukraine

This content was published on Jul 31, 2022 Swiss Solidarity raised CHF126 million to help Ukrainians. But Ukrainian authorities say they have yet to receive anything.

Europe energy woes raise concerns in Switzerland

This content was published on Jul 31, 2022 The energy crisis in Europe continues to make headlines in Switzerland.

Swiss sales of medicines to Russia jump during war

This content was published on Jul 27, 2022 Swiss exports of medicines to Russia have risen sharply since the start of the Ukraine war, according to a new analysis.

Switzerland condemns Russia strike on Ukraine port

This content was published on Jul 23, 2022 Switzerland calls a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian port of Odesa a “blatant disregard for the looming food insecurity worldwide”.

Swiss Red Cross launches digital advice for Ukrainian refugees

This content was published on Jul 23, 2022 The Swiss Red Cross has launched an online platform to help Ukrainian refugees navigate through the initial steps of arriving in Switzerland.

Switzerland changes stance on treating injured Ukrainians

This content was published on Jul 21, 2022 Injured Ukrainian children could receive medical care in Switzerland, despite initial opposition on neutrality grounds.

What happens if the Black Sea blockade is lifted?

This content was published on Jul 20, 2022 UN and Turkey-led negotiations to unblock Ukrainian grain exports are gaining momentum. But the impact of a deal on the food crisis could take months.

Swiss authorities criticised for rejecting wounded Ukrainians

This content was published on Jul 19, 2022 A decision to deny war-wounded Ukrainians hospital care over neutrality concerns has drawn criticism.

Switzerland to offer Ukraine de-mining training

This content was published on Jul 18, 2022 The Swiss army has pledged to train Ukrainian civilians to remove landmines, cluster munitions and explosives in the war-torn country.

Ukraine war hits Swiss asset management industry

This content was published on Jul 18, 2022 The Ukraine war is blamed for a dip in fortunes for the CHF1.3 trillion Swiss asset management industry.

Government against treating Ukrainian war-wounded in Swiss hospitals

This content was published on Jul 18, 2022 The Swiss federal government has objected to a NATO request to treat Ukrainians wounded in the war on the grounds of neutrality.

Switzerland should soften arms export rules, says ministry report

This content was published on Jul 17, 2022 A draft foreign ministry report says Switzerland should relax the rules for arms deliveries to war zones.

Ukraine Prosecutor General and group by destroyed building

Ukraine requests Swiss help on war crimes

This content was published on Jul 17, 2022 The Swiss justice ministry has received several requests from Ukraine for help in investigating war crimes.

Russia threatens Swiss newspaper over Putin caricature

This content was published on Jul 16, 2022 Russia has threatened Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung with legal action after it published a caricature of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

War in Ukraine leads Swiss to rethink security issues

This content was published on Jul 14, 2022 For the first time most people support closer cooperation with defence alliance NATO.

Trading looted commodities could be war crime, says attorney general

This content was published on Jul 14, 2022 Swiss commodity firms trading in commodities stolen from Ukraine have been warned that they could face prosecution.

Barracks not available to house Ukrainian refugees, army says

This content was published on Jul 12, 2022 Switzerland's armed forces have again rejected requests to house Ukrainian refugees in army accommodations.

People wait to receive humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

Charities have yet to spend most of Ukraine donations

This content was published on Jul 10, 2022 Over four months since the start of the war, Swiss aid agencies have only been able to spend a small amount of donations for Ukraine.

Participants at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano.

Ukraine summit did not affect Swiss-Russian relations, says Swiss president

This content was published on Jul 10, 2022 The recent Ukraine conference, hosted by Switzerland, did not have a negative impact on Swiss-Russian ties, says Swiss president.

Small rise in Russian assets frozen in Switzerland

This content was published on Jul 9, 2022 The Swiss authorities have so far frozen CHF6.7 billion ($6.8 billion) of assets belonging to sanctioned Russians.

Russian Gazprombank considers sale of Swiss business

This content was published on Jul 8, 2022 Gazprombank has announced it may sell its Swiss banking branch as it explores “potential strategic options”.

Ukraine: Justice minister wants rapid assessment of S permit

This content was published on Jul 7, 2022 Protection status S, a permit that has been granted to people fleeing the war in Ukraine, must be evaluated quickly, says Karin Keller-Sutter.

Foreign Minister Cassis talking to guests

Ukraine reconstruction summit was worth the risk, says Swiss press

This content was published on Jul 6, 2022 Swiss newspaper editors offered praise mixed with criticism on the two-day Ukraine Recovery Conference held in Lugano.

Swiss conference sets principles for Ukraine reconstruction

This content was published on Jul 5, 2022 An international conference to support Ukraine has agreed to a series of principles to oversee the reconstruction of the war-torn country.

Recovery is only possible with a ‘stronger and more resilient democracy’

This content was published on Jul 5, 2022 At the Ukraine Recovery Conference, the Council of Europe's secretary general announced better instruments to monitor and assist democratic standards.

Ukraine Recovery Conference ‘offers hope’, says prime minister

This content was published on Jul 5, 2022 Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal travelled to Lugano for the two-day Ukraine Recovery Conference hosted by Switzerland.

What is needed to help Ukraine rebuild?

What do you think is important or a priority to provide a better future for Ukraine?

A digital Marshall Plan for Ukraine

This content was published on Jul 5, 2022 Should the digitalisation of the state play a role in the reconstruction of Ukraine? It must says Ukraine's Digital Minister.

Ruslan Stefanchuk und Irène Kälin an der Konferenz in Lugano

Ukraine's recovery requires ‘democratic resilience’

This content was published on Jul 5, 2022 Strengthening and expanding democracy are central pillars for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Swiss to double aid to Ukraine

This content was published on Jul 5, 2022 Switzerland will double its aid to Ukraine to CHF100 million ($104 million) by the end of 2023.

Will Russia ever experience democracy?

This content was published on Jul 5, 2022 Russia’s war in Ukraine has pushed Kyiv closer to the West and democracy. But what path will Russia choose?

Swiss conference on Ukraine’s recovery

This content was published on Jul 4, 2022 An international conference on reconstructing post-war Ukraine is being held in the Swiss city of Lugano.

Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the Lugano conference

Swiss conference focuses on Ukraine ‘reform, resilience and recovery’

This content was published on Jul 4, 2022 An international conference on reconstructing post-war Ukraine has opened in the Swiss city of Lugano with the intention of creating a charter for...

Swiss diplomat: ‘If you want to hurt Russia, you have to be prepared to suffer’

This content was published on Jul 4, 2022 Yves Rossier, the former Swiss ambassador to Moscow, blames Russia for the war in Ukraine, but he says the West and Ukraine have made mistakes.

Lugano summit seeks deal to rebuild war-torn Ukraine

This content was published on Jul 4, 2022 The Swiss city of Lugano is hosting a two-day meeting to plan the reconstruction of Ukraine. How can states help the war-ravaged country?

Rebuilding Ukraine: how much can the Lugano summit achieve?

This content was published on Jul 4, 2022 How to set Ukraine on the path to recovery is the focus of a major international conference hosted by Switzerland that starts on Monday.

Swiss conference to highlight decentralised and democratic Ukraine

This content was published on Jul 3, 2022 The participants of the international conference in Switzerland on the reconstruction of Ukraine have reportedly agreed the principles of reforms.

Swiss branch of Sberbank allowed to pay creditors

This content was published on Jul 1, 2022 The Swiss financial regulator lifts some restrictions on the Swiss branch of Russia’s Sberbank so it can pay off non-sanctioned creditors.

Sulzer counts cost of withdrawing from Russia

This content was published on Jul 1, 2022 Pulling out of Russia and Poland will cost Swiss industrial company Sulzer at least CHF125 million in depreciation costs.

Zelensky unlikely to personally attend Lugano conference on Ukraine

This content was published on Jun 30, 2022 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is likely to address a conference in the Swiss city of Lugano on rebuilding the war-shattered country by...

Swiss gold imports come under scrutiny as G7 targets Russia

This content was published on Jun 27, 2022 A spike in Switzerland’s gold imports from Russia is under scrutiny as the leaders of G7 nations gear up to introduce a ban on the precious metal.

Russian spies pose increasing threat to international Geneva

This content was published on Jun 27, 2022 Dozens of Russian spies are known by the Swiss authorities to be operating in Geneva, which is home to many international organisations.

‘The war in Ukraine brings back many memories’

This content was published on Jun 26, 2022 Oskar Zwicky was born in the former Swiss colony of Shabo in what is now Ukraine. He reflects on his eventful life.

Traders with Swiss links continue to buy and sell Russian oil

This content was published on Jun 26, 2022 A handful of traders with strong connections to Geneva have reportedly increased their Russian oil shipments, says Le Matin Dimanche.

Swiss President and foreign minister Ignazio Cassis

‘We must continue to build neutrality,’ says Swiss President

This content was published on Jun 25, 2022 For Ignazio Cassis, being neutral means cooperating with other states while following Swiss principles.

Ukrainian artist raises an Ukrainian flag with the Art Basel building in the background

Art Basel: Where have all the Russians gone?

This content was published on Jun 24, 2022 After a hiatus of three years, Art Basel returned in (almost) full form. But the war in Ukraine has also left its mark on the fair.

Swiss fear Ukraine war could escalate

This content was published on Jun 23, 2022 Four months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Swiss residents continue to fear an escalation in the ongoing fighting.

Switzerland to ease exchange of Ukrainian currency in line with EU

This content was published on Jun 22, 2022 Refugees with a special legal status will be able to exchange a limited amount of Ukranian banknotes for Swiss francs.

Der ukrainische Präsident Selenski am World Economics Forum

Could Switzerland seize Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine?

This content was published on Jun 22, 2022 Some Western countries want to seize Russian oligarchs’ assets to help rebuild Ukraine. Will Switzerland join them?

Foreign Minister Cassis talking to journalists

Swiss expect ‘long and complex’ reconstruction process in Ukraine

This content was published on Jun 20, 2022 President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis says the planned Ukraine conference is Switzerland’s contribution for stability in Europe.

Long shadow of Russian money raises tricky questions for Swiss bankers

This content was published on Jun 20, 2022 How will the war in Ukraine reshape ties with some of the sector’s most lucrative clients?

Ukrainian jobseekers in Switzerland face uphill struggle

This content was published on Jun 20, 2022 Despite high demand for high-skilled labour in Switzerland, matching Ukrainian refugees to jobs hasn’t been easy.

Artem Rybchenko, Ukrainian ambassador to Switzerland,

Ukrainian Ambassador: Swiss could look harder for oligarch assets

This content was published on Jun 19, 2022 While grateful for the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano, Artem Rybchenko says Switzerland could do more to chase Russian oligarchs.

CERN to cut research ties with Russia and Belarus

This content was published on Jun 17, 2022 The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) will end all cooperation agreements with Russia and Belarus when they expire in 2024.

Russian war in Ukraine renews pressure on Swiss free ports

This content was published on Jun 17, 2022 Are free ports, in Switzerland and around the world, being used by sanctioned individuals to hide assets? Swiss authorities don’t have a clear answer.

Child plays in front of damaged building.

EC President to attend Ukraine conference in Switzerland

This content was published on Jun 17, 2022 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano in July, according to news reports.

Switzerland steps up drive to integrate Ukrainian refugees in workforce

This content was published on Jun 16, 2022 Swiss cantons have so far handed out 1,500 work permits to the 57,000 refugees who have arrived from Ukraine.

Ukrainian students adjust to life in Switzerland

This content was published on Jun 16, 2022 The Lucerne School of Art and Design has taken in 29 Ukrainian students – as exchange students rather than refugees.

Swiss lower economic growth forecasts due to war and inflation

This content was published on Jun 15, 2022 Switzerland has downgraded its economic growth forecast for 2022 to 2.6% due to the war in Ukraine and uncertainties in China.

Ukraine war forces Swiss business to make choices on neutrality

This content was published on Jun 15, 2022 Sanctions imposed on Russia have focused debate over the country’s long-cherished economic haven status.

Switzerland investigates war crimes in Ukraine

This content was published on Jun 12, 2022 The aim is to gather evidence in order to be able to respond quickly to any subsequent criminal proceedings or requests for mutual legal assistance.

Swiss adopt Russian oil ban and other sanctions over Ukraine war

This content was published on Jun 10, 2022 The Swiss government has adopted the latest set of European Union sanctions against Russia and Belarus over the war in Ukraine.

How neutral is Switzerland, really?

The war in Ukraine is forcing Switzerland to explain its neutrality.

Switzerland wants to play key role in rebuilding Ukraine

This content was published on Jun 9, 2022 Switzerland is hosting a major international conference on reconstruction in Ukraine at the beginning of July.

Viktoriia and Polina explore Switzerland

This content was published on Jun 7, 2022 Viktoriia Bilychenko and her daughter Polina have been exploring the lakes and mountains in Switzerland.

How Russian sanctions are permeating Switzerland’s luxury sanctum

This content was published on Jun 5, 2022 Sanctions against Russian assets abroad have resulted in a cat-and-mouse game in Switzerland between regulators and oligarchs.

Two Ukrainian refugees who are using collective accommodation.

50,000 private beds for Ukrainian refugees go unused

This content was published on Jun 5, 2022 Cantonal authorities have misgivings over private hosting, leaving Swiss solidarity untapped.

War in Ukraine: neutral Switzerland re-confirms its position on war material transfers

This content was published on Jun 3, 2022 The government on Friday re-confirmed neutral Switzerland’s policy of not supplying arms to conflict zones.

Swiss set aside CHF100 million in Ukraine development funding

This content was published on Jun 2, 2022 The Ukrainian funds available to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) for 2022 will not affect projects elsewhere, an official...

Oerlikon to sell Russia business to local owners

This content was published on Jun 2, 2022 Swiss industrial firm Oerlikon has announced that it will hand over ownership of its business in Russia to local management.

Ukraine refugees work in restaurant and IT sectors

This content was published on Jun 1, 2022 The Swiss authorities say they have registered at least 54,000 refugees from Ukraine, but only about 1,000 of them have received a work permit.

Swiss block re-export of armoured vehicles to Ukraine

This content was published on Jun 1, 2022 The Swiss authorities have vetoed Denmark's request to send Swiss-made armoured personnel carriers to Ukraine.

‘It has become very difficult to finance trading with Russia’

This content was published on Jun 1, 2022 Commodity trading has been hit hard by the war in Ukraine. An interview with Florence Schurch of the industry's umbrella organisation.

Stay or go? The dilemma of Swiss companies in Russia

This content was published on May 31, 2022 Caught between potential damage to their image and having their businesses confiscated, Swiss firms active in Russia have a tough choice.

Ukraine war hits supplies of food packaging material

This content was published on May 29, 2022 Switzerland is considering emergency stockpiling of plastic packaging as the Ukraine war brings a world shortage of food packaging material.

WHO resolution denounces Ukraine invasion by Russia

This content was published on May 27, 2022 Member states of the WHO on Thursday adopted a resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its attacks on healthcare facilities.

Swiss move to confiscate assets of ally of ex-Ukrainian leader

This content was published on May 25, 2022 The government is looking to seize over CHF100 million in assets from an associate of former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovich, who was deposed...

Russian diplomat in Switzerland resigns over invasion of Ukraine

This content was published on May 24, 2022 A Russian diplomat in Geneva has said he is leaving his post because of his disagreement with Moscow. He hopes the Swiss government will help him.

Viktoriia and Polina: physically in Bern, mentally in Ukraine

This content was published on May 24, 2022 Viktoriia Bilychenko and her daughter, Polina, are finding their way around Bern. But they constantly worry about their relatives back in Ukraine.

Ukraine s president gave a speech to the WEF in Davos.

WEF: Ukraine president calls for sanctions and reconstruction offers

This content was published on May 23, 2022 Volodymyr Zelensky has called for “maximum” sanctions against Russia in a speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

Swiss financial firms close down Moscow offices

This content was published on May 20, 2022 Zurich Insurance Group and Julius Bär bank have announced plans to abandon Moscow offices amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Woman sniper in Donbas region in Ukraine.

The women of Donbas

This content was published on May 20, 2022 Ukrainian women have played a critical role in the conflict that has raged in the east of the country since 2014.

US ambassador praises Swiss efforts to freeze Russian money

This content was published on May 19, 2022 Scott Miller has praised the “immense progress” made by Switzerland in the search for Russian funds in Swiss banks.

Swiss to re-open Ukraine embassy

This content was published on May 19, 2022 Switzerland is re-opening its embassy in Kyiv, with five staff members set to return over the next days, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Street demonstration calling for Switzerland to Stop Putin, Stop War.

Is Switzerland doing enough to freeze Russian assets?

This content was published on May 18, 2022 Untangling the main areas of contention surrounding Swiss efforts to track down and freeze the assets of sanctioned Russians.

Opinion

Switzerland should do more to freeze Russian assets

This content was published on May 18, 2022 Switzerland is right to enforce EU sanctions on Russian individuals and entities, but must ensure the measures have real impact.

Opinion

Swiss banks rigorously implementing international sanctions on Russia

This content was published on May 18, 2022 Unfounded speculation about the volume of assets under management has led to rapid but incorrect conclusions being drawn.

Swiss government presents plans to boost gas reserves

This content was published on May 18, 2022 The Swiss government has outlined its plans to boost gas storage capacity in neighbouring countries to secure supplies ahead of winter.

How the war in Ukraine is fuelling the next global food crisis

This content was published on May 17, 2022 The war has disrupted the global supply of food, fuel, and fertilisers. This has made a dire situation worse for millions of people across Africa.

NGO fears Dubai gold imports evading Russia sanctions

This content was published on May 17, 2022 Switzerland has recorded a significant increase in gold imports from the United Arab Emirates since the introduction of sanctions against Russia.

Switzerland releases CHF3 billion of frozen Russian assets

This content was published on May 13, 2022 The Swiss government has confirmed that CHF6.3 billion ($6.33 billion) worth of Russian assets remain frozen under sanctions.

Ukraine war is a windfall for Swiss arms industry

This content was published on May 13, 2022 The global rearmament effort in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is grist to the mill for Swiss arms companies.

Holiday home in Ticino of Russian oligarch, now sanctioned

Russian oligarch’s holiday home blocked in Switzerland

This content was published on May 13, 2022 The lake-view villa of Russian senator Andrei Klishas has been blocked in southern Switzerland. We find out why.

Navigation

War in Ukraine

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Switzerland and Ukraine agree draft protecting power mandate

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Swiss and Estonian talks focus on Russian aggression

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Almost 10% of eligible Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland have a job

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Ex-prosecutor general proposed as Ukraine’s ambassador to Switzerland

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Switzerland takes over EU sanctions on Russian gold

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What it takes to deliver aid in war-torn Ukraine

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Watchdog extends protective measures at Sberbank Switzerland

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Swiss fundraising effort creates tensions with Ukraine

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Europe energy woes raise concerns in Switzerland

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Swiss sales of medicines to Russia jump during war

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Switzerland condemns Russia strike on Ukraine port

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Swiss Red Cross launches digital advice for Ukrainian refugees

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Switzerland changes stance on treating injured Ukrainians

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What happens if the Black Sea blockade is lifted?

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Swiss authorities criticised for rejecting wounded Ukrainians

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Switzerland to offer Ukraine de-mining training

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Ukraine war hits Swiss asset management industry

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Government against treating Ukrainian war-wounded in Swiss hospitals

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Switzerland should soften arms export rules, says ministry report

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Ukraine requests Swiss help on war crimes

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Russia threatens Swiss newspaper over Putin caricature

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War in Ukraine leads Swiss to rethink security issues

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Trading looted commodities could be war crime, says attorney general

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Barracks not available to house Ukrainian refugees, army says

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Charities have yet to spend most of Ukraine donations

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Ukraine summit did not affect Swiss-Russian relations, says Swiss president

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Small rise in Russian assets frozen in Switzerland

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Russian Gazprombank considers sale of Swiss business

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Ukraine: Justice minister wants rapid assessment of S permit

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Ukraine reconstruction summit was worth the risk, says Swiss press

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Swiss conference sets principles for Ukraine reconstruction

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Recovery is only possible with a ‘stronger and more resilient democracy’

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Ukraine Recovery Conference ‘offers hope’, says prime minister

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What is needed to help Ukraine rebuild?

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A digital Marshall Plan for Ukraine

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Ukraine's recovery requires ‘democratic resilience’

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Swiss to double aid to Ukraine

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Will Russia ever experience democracy?

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Swiss conference on Ukraine’s recovery