During the second year of the full-scale military aggression of the aggressor country, russia, against Ukraine, Switzerland has been providing significant support to Ukrainians, including humanitarian and financial aid, political support and assistance in the reconstruction of Ukraine. The Swiss government reiterates its position of “the strongest condemnation of the attack” and calls for “the withdrawal of russian troops from the entire territory of Ukraine”.
Last year, Switzerland broke its tradition of neutrality by imposing sanctions on the aggressor country. So far, the Swiss authorities have blocked more than $7.5 billion in assets of the occupiers. The country has also joined the 11th EU sanctions package against the aggressor country. Restrictions include, in particular, a ban on the export of dual-use products and goods that contribute to the military and technological development of the occupiers. The sanctions apply to an additional 87 companies, including those from third countries, that have supplied such goods to the aggressor country. In addition, the list of goods subject to the ban on exports of electronic components and precursors of chemical weapons will be expanded.
On August 30 this year, the Swiss Federal Council decided to join the Register of Damage Caused to Ukraine by the Aggression of the russian federation, established by the Council of Europe in May 2023. The accession underscores Switzerland’s support for Ukrainians affected by the war and the process of reconstruction of Ukraine, which Switzerland initiated on a large scale together with the Ukrainian Government at the 2022 Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano, Switzerland. The Register of Damages will document evidence and information on the damage caused to all individuals and legal entities as a result of the russian aggression against Ukraine. The register will also contribute to fight against impunity and prosecute the occupiers.
Since the beginning of the war, Switzerland has provided about $1.4 billion in aid to Ukraine, of which more than $291 million has been provided in cooperation with its allies. In February 2023, Switzerland announced its plans to provide a new humanitarian aid package to Ukraine worth $123 million. The aid will be used for shelters, schools, hospital repairs and energy infrastructure. Small loans to small agricultural businesses are also planned. Other projects that will be supported include demining, psychological and social support for civilians. Additionally, Switzerland is going to allocate CHF 1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) to Ukraine as part of its international cooperation strategy for 2025-2028.
On July 25, 2023, the initiative of the Swiss-Ukrainian DECIDE project for the reconstruction of Ukrainian schools that were destroyed by the occupiers was launched. An additional CHF 4.3 million ($4.8 million) has been allocated for the DECIDE project initiative to restore educational institutions and arrange shelters for education during air alerts. In addition, Switzerland is providing funding through Ukraine’s multilateral partners: UN, OSCE, Red Cross, EBRD and others.
The country had remained in neutrality for years, but the situation changed with the beginning of the full-scale invasion into Ukraine by the occupation forces. The Swiss government has amended the War Material Act. Thanks to this decision, Ukraine will be able to receive Swiss equipment and weapons through third countries.
In August of this year, Switzerland donated a demining vehicle and related equipment to Ukraine. The remote-controlled tracked vehicle was handed over to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine for humanitarian demining of the de-occupied territories, and personnel will be trained. The Swiss side will provide the demining equipment with a trailer for its transportation and spare parts for three years of operation. The total cost is $1.36 million.
The development of mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation also remains an important priority for both countries. The analysis of export and import operations of Dnipropetrovsk region with Switzerland demonstrates a high level of partnership, as the country is an important commercial partner of the region.
According to the results of 2022, the volume of goods exported from Dnipropetrovsk region totalled $7.69 million. Products that are in demand among Swiss consumers include ferrous metal products, cereals, furniture, fats and vegetable oils, wood and wood products, etc.
Export operations were carried out by 26 companies from Dnipropetrovsk region. The main exporting companies are metallurgical, food, machine-building and processing enterprises.
TOP-5 exporters (ranked by volume of exported products):
Imports of goods from Switzerland to Dnipropetrovsk region totalled $11.46 million, and decreased by 48% compared to 2021. The region traditionally bought pharmaceuticals, gold, watches, machinery and equipment, essential oils, etc.
Import operations were carried out by 134 importers.
TOP-5 importers (ranked by volume of imported products):
Imports were mainly carried out by pharmaceutical, trade, machine-building and processing companies.
Source: information for the article was taken from public online sources
