The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Switzerland cannot represent the interests of Ukraine in Russia, as it has lost its neutral status. The day before, Switzerland expressed such readiness.
“Ukraine wanted Switzerland to take over the mandate of a patron power in Russia. The relevant negotiations have been completed,” Pierre Alain Elchinger, spokesman for the Swiss Foreign Ministry, told TASS on August 10. He added that in order for the mandate of the patronizing power to come into force, Russia must give its consent.
The Swiss Foreign Ministry also said that the country is ready to provide Russia and Ukraine with a negotiating platform and expert support if the parties decide to negotiate.
Earlier, Switzerland imposed sanctions on 197 Russians and nine Russian companies. The list included, in particular, businessmen Roman Abramovich, Andrei Melnichenko, Dmitry Pumpyansky and his son Alexander, Dmitry Mazepin and his son Nikita, Mikhail Poluboyarinov, and the general director of Channel One Konstantin Ernst. All of them were banned from entering the country and their assets were frozen.
Swiss diplomats represent Russian interests in Georgia and Georgia in Russia, and US interests in Iran as mediators.