Official announcements from the Swiss Foreign Ministry or involved parties

Switzerland Offers Neutral Platform for Trump-Putin Summit on Ukraine, ICC Exception Possible

Jan 12, 2025, 06:55 AM

Switzerland has expressed its willingness to host a summit between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. Nicolas Bideau, spokesperson for Switzerland's Foreign Ministry, confirmed the country's readiness to provide a neutral platform for such a meeting, should both leaders request it. This follows Switzerland's consistent communication to the United States, Russia, and Ukraine about its availability to support diplomatic efforts for peace after the Bürgenstock Peace Summit, which failed to achieve significant outcomes. While Switzerland will not take the initiative to organize the meeting, it has informed all parties of its willingness to facilitate discussions. Trump, whose inauguration is set for January 20, has indicated preparations for a meeting, and the Kremlin has expressed openness to talks without preconditions. Bideau also noted that the ICC arrest warrant for Putin would not be an obstacle, as Switzerland can make exceptions for peace talks.