Swiss army open to peacekeeping role on the Ukrainian-Russian border

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/army-chief-thomas-s%c3%bcssli-switzerland-could-provide-200-soldiers/88915841?utm_source=multiple&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=news_en&utm_content=o&utm_term=wpblock_highlighted-compact-news-carousel

31 comments

  1. Article:

    >__Swiss Army chief Thomas Süssli told the SonntagsBlick newspaper that Switzerland could provide around 200 soldiers for a peacekeeping mission in the Ukrainian-Russian border region within nine to twelve months. At the same time, he emphasised Switzerland’s neutrality.__

    >Süssli explained that a distinction must be made between peace enforcement and peacekeeping operations. While peace enforcement missions would enforce peace by force of arms – which is out of the question for Switzerland – peacekeeping requires a ceasefire and the consent of Russia and Ukraine to the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force.

    >“If we receive the order to take part in a mission, we would draw up a training concept to train our soldiers and prepare them for deployment. Then we would start recruiting and train the members of the armed forces,” Süssli continued to SonntagsBlick. The use of weapons would only be permitted in a self-defence situation. “The mandate is decided by the government and parliament,” he added.

    >Switzerland is well positioned in the area of logistics and medical services, the army chief continued. There are various conceivable tasks within the framework of a peacekeeping mission – the decisive factor is what requirements the UN makes and what decisions the government and parliament take. Süssli drew parallels with the deployment of Swiss army personnel in Kosovo.

    >He also warned that Russia could be prepared to further destabilise Europe in 2027 and escalate the conflict. This would be particularly critical for Switzerland, as the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system and the F-35 fighter jets would not be delivered until after 2027.

  3. With 200 troops the Swiss are probably expecting to guard a new pope in Ukraine.

  4. Beautiful Switzerland.
    Swiss please stay Swiss,

    Sorry but i dont think they should even talk about it at all.
    Stay Neutral!

  6. Until Russia want to go again and the Swiss don’t defend Ukraine because they want to stay neutral and “not pick a side”.

    Won’t help if Russians oligarchs threaten to withdraw their gold from Swiss banks or propose to invest in the Swiss military industry that suffered in Europe from the fact that they (the Swiss) blocked the transfer of weapons they sold to European armies to Ukraine so that they can “stay neutral”.

  7. Of course you try to show goodwill now that you’ve fucked around and found out.

    >Switzerland’s president said on Monday she was in favour of revising a ban that currently prevents Swiss-made arms from being re-exported from another country to Ukraine, saying the embargo was hurting her country’s industry and security.

    >“Personally, I think we need to make a step forward for our industry,” Viola Amherd, who is also defence minister, said at a press event in Bern in response to a question about the policy.

    >__“It becomes difficult because countries like the Netherlands have decided not to buy in Switzerland__ as it’s not free to re-export, which I understand,” she added.

    [quoted article](https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-politics/swiss-president-backs-lifting-re-export-ban-on-arms-to-ukraine/87853186)

  8. Surprised to see Switzerland is being not so non committal. I know it is still a neutral stance but it is clearly aimed at the aggressor.

  9. They say they don’t want to be there to enforce the peace but to do peacekeeping.

    So if Russia want to invade again, they would be there but won’t try to enforce the peace or fight the ones that break it?

    I really fail to see what would be the point of it. I they basically would be there while at the same time saying they won’t fight whatever happen?

  10. Swiss isn’t in NATO so this is a more realistic proposition than British or France.

    Also, kudos for actually paying attention to the writings on the walls (that the war is nearing its end) at least. Never wrong to prepare for the next step.

  11. And so what? When russia attacks again, lets say the swiss peacekeepers get blasted into red dust, what will they do? Will they stop being neutral and help Ukraine? Because I doubt it. Odds are they’ll leave the front the moment there’s risk of war again.

  12. Considering how useless the UN peacekeeping forces are , I don’t think these guys will be of much use.

  15. 200 troops, where? In Lviv? 😂 It must be Pope escort. Just to put something to force Ukraine into worthless deal in a history after Chamberlain’s toilet paper

  17. Can’t trust the Swiss. Sorry, guys, but you vetoed the re-export of Arms EU countries bought from you for defense and then you apparently secretly hosted Russia-US talks for month.

  19. I wouldn’t trust the swiss to… well, provide ammunition they were paid for.

  20. Since your´re not neutral anymore, because Europe going down, means it´s also over with Swiss Cheese Raclette and your precious Gold.

    So, let´s bring out the big numbers without wasting too much time, Military Vehicles, Weapons, Ammo, go on, work like a Swiss Clockwork already ffs!!

  21. I propose to relocate Israel to Switzerland where it will be safe. The Swiss can fend for themselves.

  23. Neutrality for switzerland means that they’ll happily store gold from both sides

  24. Which border? The one Russia thinks is theirs or the one Ukraine thinks is theirs

  25. It would be nice to see Switzerland on the right side of history for once rather than waving their ‘neutral’ flag and pocketing the loot.

  26. Ok boys pack the big knife with the spoon and tweezers.

  27. A peacekeeping force isn’t going to happen. Europe is going to have to go to war with Russia directly to stop their advance. Russia will fold quickly if Europe gets involved.

  28. Whatever gets the ball rolling to get boots on the ground is good

  29. While it’s a good signal I don’t think it would really be relevant, because who but the Swiss people would care if the detachment were attacked? The swiss are neutral after all.

  31. LOOK AT ME, I like peace, I like idle troops that make me look like I care about peace. Peace all the way.
    Justice? *gag* get that thing away from me, now bend over and take it, take the peace baby. Sell your freedom and agency, you do not need it, you got peace after all, nothing else matters.

Comments are closed.