Thousands in Swiss cities show solidarity with Ukraine
Published: Saturday, Feb 24th 2024, 22:10
Updated At: Saturday, Feb 24th 2024, 22:10
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On the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Bern, Zurich, Geneva and Lausanne on Saturday in solidarity with Ukraine. In front of the Federal Palace in Bern, Swiss politicians called for their country to do more for Ukraine.
SP National Councillor Jon Pult praised Ukraine for not only defending itself, but also standing up for freedom and democracy in Europe. It was a duty to do much more for Ukraine, for example in humanitarian terms or financially, in order to promote reconstruction.
In addition, Pult said, Switzerland must finally relax the re-export of weapons. This demand was met with much applause from the rally participants.
"No business with Putin", demanded Green National Councillor Balthasar Glättli. Switzerland must finally freeze state or state-affiliated Russian funds and oligarch money. The money must be used for the reconstruction of Ukraine. National Councillor Reto Nause said that acting neutrally means respecting international law. Russian President Vladimir Putin was trampling on this.
Against war financing
The Ukrainian Association Switzerland called for the national solidarity rally in Bern. It was supported by a broad cross-party alliance that included left-wing and green parties as well as the center, the EPP and the FDP. Trade unions, aid organizations and the Swiss Reformed Churches were also among the supporters.
Among other things, the alliance demanded that Russian war financing via Switzerland be consistently prevented with the implementation of the sanctions. Switzerland must make an active contribution to the peace formula in Ukraine. This could be done, for example, by participating in the establishment of a special tribunal to investigate war crimes. The authorized rally was peaceful.
Several hundred in Zurich
In Zurich on Saturday evening, hundreds of people formed a chain between the Stadthaus and Grossmünster. In addition to Mayor Corine Mauch (SP) and Grossmünster pastor Christoph Sigrist, other city council members and representatives of Jewish and Islamic communities took part. There were no speeches at the event. The commemorative event was organized by the City of Zurich and the Grossmünster.
In the afternoon, around 300 demonstrators had already gathered at the Landesmuseum to protest against the war. They marched peacefully through the city center. Several speeches denounced the Russian regime as imperialist and called for solidarity with the Ukrainian workers.
"Russia threatens the whole of Europe"
Around 500 people demonstrated in Geneva against the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the Russian occupation of Crimea, which has been going on for ten years. The rally, organized by Ukrainian associations with the support of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations (UN), began on the Place des Nations, where numerous Ukrainian flags were flying.
The speakers expressed their conviction that this was not only the most destructive war in Europe since the Second World War, but that Russia also posed a major threat to the security of the entire European continent.
In Lausanne, around 400 people gathered in the city center on Saturday evening. The event organized by the Vaud association "Together" and the Committee Ukraine Vaud to commemorate the victims of the war in Ukraine took place from 5 p.m. on Place St-François and lasted a good hour with speeches, singing and music.
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