The Russian Foreign Ministry announced Switzerland's withdrawal from military neutrality

Swiss neutrality has become a thing of the past due to the country's involvement in the military exercises of the European Union (EU) and NATO. On July 31, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Grushko told reporters after a meeting of the expert council of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs.

"Unfortunately, Swiss neutrality in the classical version is a thing of the past. Switzerland is very closely integrated into the military preparations of the European Union and NATO, and carries out joint military activities," TASS quoted him as saying.

Grushko added that at the same time, social forces remain in Switzerland, advocating the preservation of traditional neutrality, which has been undermined by the current government of the confederation.

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A survey commissioned by Tamedia media holding and 20 Minuten in Switzerland on June 21 showed that more than half of Swiss citizens opposed the principle of military neutrality in the country's constitution. More than 26.2 thousand people participated in the study, the survey was conducted from June 11 to June 14.

Russia's Permanent Representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Dmitry Polyansky also announced on May 18 that Switzerland was no longer neutral. He added that the country has joined all anti-Russian sanctions.