Russia backs Swiss neutrality initiative as parliament seeks stronger safeguards

Russia has repeatedly intervened in Switzerland’s campaign over the neutrality initiative in recent weeks, SRF reported. Other states are also trying to influence Swiss voters, prompting Parliament to call for stronger measures against foreign interference.

Swiss voters will decide on the initiative on September 27, 2026. It would enshrine a broad ban on sanctions against states involved in wars in the Swiss constitution, while preserving obligations towards the United Nations.

The initiative has attracted interest in Moscow. Several articles about Switzerland’s sanctions against Russia have appeared on RT DE, a platform funded by the Kremlin. The articles criticise the Federal Council, which opposes the initiative, and promote the proposal. One listed author is Hans-Ueli Läppli.

Russia is seeking to portray its war against Ukraine as a normal conflict between two states, said Ulrich Schmid, a professor of Eastern European studies at the University of St Gallen. That could support calls for Switzerland to remain neutral in the war, he said, adding that such a position would serve the Kremlin’s interests.

Russian actors mainly distribute their content through social media. Kremlin representatives have also openly promoted the initiative, including Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry.

Schmid said he expected Russia’s attempts to have little success, but warned that Switzerland should take them seriously. He described the campaign as part of a broader and long-term Kremlin strategy to destabilise countries and said Switzerland should examine such activity closely.

The issue is also known to the federal government. The State Secretariat for Security Policy said in response to an SRF request that foreign disinformation and state-backed attempts to influence Switzerland in a targeted way were increasing.

The Federal Council established a working group at the end of 2025 to address such activities. Its tasks include improving cooperation within the federal administration and raising public awareness of foreign influence attempts.

Parliament believes those measures do not go far enough. It is considering proposals to monitor social media and identify foreign actors, according to SRF parliamentary correspondent Manuel Ramirez. Such steps would probably also involve strengthening the intelligence service. Parliament could decide on the demands during its autumn session.