Russian diplomat Maria Zajárova denounces Swiss 'flexible neutrality' ahead of referendum

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zajárova criticised the Swiss government for rejecting a proposed constitutional amendment that would make Switzerland’s neutrality absolute. She argued that the current “flexible neutrality” bends toward the interests of Brussels and Kyiv, recalling that in the 1940s it tilted toward Berlin when it was profitable.

Zajárova cited the Bergier Commission’s report on Swiss gold purchases from Nazi Germany to illustrate past compromises. The Swiss executive rejected the initiative, stating that a constitutional guarantee would limit the country’s foreign‑policy flexibility. The referendum on the neutrality amendment is scheduled for 27 September.