Russia Says Switzerland Not Being Considered as Venue for New Ukraine Talks

Russia's foreign ministry said Switzerland is not being considered as a location for a new round of talks on Ukraine, according to Russian state news agency TASS.

Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, was cited by TASS as saying that Switzerland's exclusion stems from what she described as the country's loss of neutrality in its foreign policy.

Zakharova reportedly pointed to Switzerland's participation in Western sanctions against Russia as a key factor behind Moscow's position. She also cited what she characterized as Russophobia in the context of Switzerland joining anti-Russian sanctions, as well as related public statements by Swiss officials, according to TASS.

The comments come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the conflict in Ukraine, which has prompted numerous rounds of international sanctions against Russia from Western nations, including Switzerland, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

Switzerland has traditionally maintained a policy of neutrality, and has in the past hosted international diplomatic gatherings, including a summit on Ukraine in 2024. However, Moscow has repeatedly criticized Bern's alignment with European Union sanctions against Russia as a departure from its historical neutral stance.

TASS did not provide further details on which locations or countries are currently under consideration for any prospective talks on Ukraine.