Team Helvetica Times
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Switzerland’s new President Karin Keller-Sutter held a phone conversation.
According to a 7 January 2025 report on the Ukrainian government website, the leaders discussed deepening bilateral cooperation and Switzerland’s continued support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The leaders emphasized shared commitments to humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, and economic recovery efforts.
During today’s phone call with President @ZelenskyyUa, I assured him of 🇨🇭’s ongoing support for 🇺🇦 – notably through our many long-term humanitarian and reconstruction projects, plus our willingness to contribute to the peace process via Switzerland’s good offices. pic.twitter.com/qMG2Zmktxs
— Karin Keller-Sutter (@keller_sutter) January 7, 2025
“We appreciate Switzerland’s willingness to support us both politically and organizationally,” said Zelensky
Zelensky highlighted Switzerland’s role in organizing peace summits and thematic conferences aimed at fostering dialogue and stability in the region.
Switzerland has been a consistent advocate for peace in Ukraine, hosting high-profile events such as the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano in 2022.
More recently, it has pledged CHF 5 billion in aid to Ukraine, with a focus on rebuilding critical infrastructure and supporting vulnerable populations affected by the war.
Keller-Sutter reiterated Switzerland’s readiness to contribute to peace processes through its traditional role as a neutral mediator
Keller-Sutter reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to long-term humanitarian projects and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. She also reiterated her country’s readiness to contribute to peace processes through its traditional role as a neutral mediator.
The leaders agreed to continue their dialogue during an upcoming personal meeting, though no details were disclosed about its timing or location.
Speculation surrounds whether this meeting could coincide with the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos later this month, where global leaders are expected to discuss pressing geopolitical issues, including the war in Ukraine.
During the call, Zelensky acknowledged Switzerland’s annual contributions to the “Grain from Ukraine” program, which addresses global food insecurity exacerbated by the war.
He invited Switzerland to join a new initiative, “Food from Ukraine,” aimed at delivering agricultural products to Syria to prevent a food crisis there.
The first shipment of 500 tons of Ukrainian wheat flour has already reached Syria under this program, marking a significant step in Ukraine’s broader humanitarian outreach.
