On August 24, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko held a meeting with a Swiss delegation headed by Gabriel Lüchinger, Head of the International Security Division of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, which arrived in Kyiv on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence.
The interlocutors discussed current issues on the Ukrainian-Swiss bilateral agenda and outlined further steps to deepen cooperation at both the bilateral and multilateral levels. Olexandr Mischenko expressed his gratitude to the Swiss partners for their visit to Kyiv on this important day for Ukraine, highly appreciated Switzerland’s consistent political solidarity and practical assistance, as well as its active role as the OSCE Chairpersonship 2026.
During the meeting, particular attention was paid to the security situation and the consequences of Russia’s aggression. The Ukrainian side briefed the Swiss delegation on Russia’s intensification of missile and combined attacks against Ukrainian cities and stressed the need to maintain and increase international pressure on the aggressor state. In this context, sides also discussed opportunities for practical cooperation in the defence sector, taking into account Switzerland’s neutral status.
In the context of international efforts to end the war and achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the Deputy Minister thanked the Swiss side for its readiness to provide a platform for future peace negotiations. The sides exchanged views on possible formats for Switzerland’s further engagement in diplomatic efforts, cooperation with international partners, and coordination of contacts at the highest and high levels aimed at supporting the negotiation process and bringing peace closer.
Among other issues, the interlocutors discussed the illegal deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children by Russia. The Deputy Minister stressed that the aggressor state systematically uses children in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to impose Russian identity, including through propaganda and efforts to involve them in activities aimed at supporting Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Particular concern was expressed over cases of the illegal adoption of Ukrainian children in Russia and the creation of conditions for their assimilation. The sides agreed on a practical algorithm for further cooperation aimed at facilitating the return of Ukrainian children, including within the framework of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
Sanctions policy was another separate focus of the talks. In this context, Olexandr Mischenko stressed, in particular, the importance of strengthening monitoring mechanisms and preventing Swiss components that could be used in weapons production from reaching Russia.
The diplomats also discussed energy security and Ukraine’s preparations for the winter period. The Deputy Minister thanked Switzerland for the assistance provided and stressed the importance of continued practical support to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience amid ongoing Russian attacks.
Following the meeting, the sides agreed to maintain close coordination and continue regular contacts at the political level. Gabriel Lüchinger reaffirmed Switzerland’s readiness to continue supporting Ukraine and contributing to the development of bilateral cooperation.