Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis stated on Tuesday (August 19th) that Switzerland is willing to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Despite the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant for Russian President Putin, Switzerland is open to receiving him as long as it is for the sake of peace.
Switzerland, known for its neutrality, is a signatory to the ICC. Cassis told Swiss National Radio SRF that as long as Putin’s visit is for peaceful purposes, Switzerland is willing to accommodate him.
Cassis also mentioned, “This is related to our diplomatic role, as Geneva is the European headquarters of the United Nations.”
According to Reuters, after a meeting at the White House on Monday (August 18th) among US President Trump, Ukrainian President Zelensky, and European leaders, French President Macron proposed Geneva as a potential location for peace negotiations between Putin and Zelensky.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin in 2023, accusing him of war crimes, which Russia denies.
Cassis assured that if Putin attends any peace talks held in Switzerland, the Swiss government will make special arrangements.
“We have clarified the legal situation,” Cassis said. “We are able to host such a meeting, knowing what needs to be done to ensure its smooth progress. Despite the arrest warrant against Putin, due to our unique role and Geneva’s status as the European headquarters of the United Nations, we can still hold such meetings.”
“We are prepared for such a meeting and appreciate the trust from all sides,” Cassis stated during a diplomatic conference in Bern. “We have consistently expressed our willingness, but of course, it depends on the willingness of the major powers.”
US President Trump held a summit with European leaders at the White House on Monday and had a phone call with Putin. During the call, he proposed having a bilateral meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky first, with a potential trilateral summit involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine if progress is made.