Politics Head of the Swiss Armed Forces Thomas Süssli: "Switzerland could provide 200 soldiers"
Army chief Thomas Süssli explained in "SonntagsBlick" that Switzerland could provide around 200 soldiers for a peacekeeping mission in the Ukrainian-Russian border region within nine to twelve months. At the same time, he emphasized Switzerland's neutrality.
23.02.2025, 05:48
SDA
Süssli explained that a distinction must be made between peace enforcement and peacekeeping missions. While peace enforcement operations would enforce peace by force of arms - which is out of the question for Switzerland - peacekeeping requires a ceasefire and the consent of Russia and Ukraine to the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force.
"If we receive the order to take part in a mission, we would draw up a training concept to train our militia members and prepare them for deployment. Then we would start recruiting and train the members of the armed forces," Süssli continued to SonntagsBlick. The use of weapons would only be permitted in a self-defense situation. "The mandate is decided by the Federal Council and Parliament," he added.
Switzerland is well positioned in the area of logistics and medical services, the army chief continued. There are various conceivable tasks within the framework of a peacekeeping mission - the decisive factor is what requirements the UN makes and what decisions the Federal Council and Parliament take. Süssli drew parallels with the deployment of Swiss army personnel in Kosovo.
He also warned that Russia could be prepared to further destabilize Europe in 2027 and escalate the conflict. This would be particularly critical for Switzerland, as the Patriot air defense missile system and the F-35 fighter jets would not be delivered until after 2027.
