Federal Council wastes Geneva: No Putin-Trump summit due to diplomatic failures

Switzerland has significantly damaged its traditional role as a neutral mediator in international diplomacy. Geneva, historically recognized as a symbol of Swiss neutrality and a venue for crucial summit meetings, has lost much of its diplomatic importance.

The turning point occurred when Switzerland adopted EU sanctions against Russia during the Ukraine conflict, effectively abandoning its neutral stance. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov subsequently declared Switzerland an 'unfriendly' country, severely damaging diplomatic relations. The Swiss government's inconsistent foreign policy approach has further undermined its international credibility.

While Switzerland organized an expensive Ukraine conference on Bürgenstock costing 17 million euros, the event achieved limited results. Russia was excluded from participation, and several key nations refused to endorse the final declaration.

Meanwhile, countries like Hungary and Turkey have demonstrated greater diplomatic flexibility and now possess more influence in potential mediation efforts. Switzerland's attempts to regain its diplomatic standing appear desperate rather than genuine, and the country risks losing Geneva's status as an important international meeting venue.