Russia Criticizes Switzerland’s OSCE Presidency for Breaching Neutrality

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Dmitry Polyansky, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), has expressed his negative assessment of Switzerland’s conduct during its tenure leading the security body. He stated that despite maintaining regular diplomatic contact with Moscow, Bern has largely adhered to European Union stances on important matters.

Polyansky commented on diplomatic relations, saying, “I have no complaints about Switzerland in terms of maintaining diplomatic contacts. Russian and Swiss delegations meet weekly, and the Swiss side does not withhold information from Moscow.”

However, the Russian representative described Switzerland’s neutrality as conditional, asserting, “Bern is openly taking Ukraine’s side.”

Referencing Switzerland’s approach in OSCE meetings, he added, “I cannot say that our voice is not heard or that we are prevented from speaking, but when a choice has to be made, they naturally adopt a position closer to the European Union rather than remaining neutral. This is our main criticism.”

Polyansky also pointed to the Swiss chairmanship’s refusal to change the phrase “military aggression against Ukraine” in its agendas, stating, “This prevents Moscow from fully presenting its positions in meetings.”

The Russian representative explained that Switzerland had the authority to change this wording and had promised to review the issue. However, it ultimately concluded that altering the phrase would send the wrong signal to Russia and be tantamount to distancing itself from its policy of solidarity with Brussels.

The OSCE is an intergovernmental organization with 57 participating states involved in arms control, human rights, and political cooperation. In recent years, Russia and Western countries have clashed over the war in Ukraine and how it is reflected in the organization’s positions and documents.