After part of the Swiss embassy staff had already been withdrawn from the Ukrainian capital, the last five Swiss embassy employees and a special unit of the Swiss army have now also left Kyiv. Ambassador Claude Wild has been back in Switzerland since Wednesday evening. And describes the last days in Kyiv in an interview.
SRF News: Mr. Ambassador, how did you experience the days before your departure and your departure?
Claude Wild: Difficult because I’m sad for Ukraine, for the Ukrainians and sad about what is happening to this country. And I’m also angry at the stupidity of humanity doing this. Before leaving, we were actually there to stay as long as possible to help Ukraine as a humanitarian partner. And to be able to let as many Swiss people as possible leave the country.
The plan was to stay as long as our humanitarian partners, the ICRC and the UN, stay too. That’s why we were one of the last embassies that was still occupied. But then the situation changed: When our humanitarian partners left themselves, we also had to decide to go. The decision was made jointly with the FDFA and the DDPS.
Are you still in contact with the local staff? Do you know what the current situation is?
Absolutely. You have to know that on the first day of the attack we contacted all the local staff and gave them a choice: they could either let the embassy protect them or they could get to safety themselves. Local staff has many connections in western Ukraine, in family or holiday homes. We have not imposed any obligation on anyone to continue working in the embassy.
Of course, it is still our employees. Wages were paid in advance. We maintain contact with each individual. And a task force was formed. As long as you can be in contact, we know where each employee is and how best to help them. You belong to us.
How is the situation now? Is the supply of essential goods still guaranteed?
It becomes more difficult. The encirclement of Kiev by the Russian army closes. There are no more organized convoys driving out of Kyiv. I think the last one was yesterday Wednesday. Everyone who leaves now leaves somewhat chaotically and on their own initiative. It is still possible, but increasingly difficult.
Today, negotiations between Ukraine and Russia took place for the second time. How do you see the chances of a ceasefire or de-escalation in general?
You have to believe in it as long as the parties talk to each other. A ceasefire is more likely than de-escalation. De-escalation would mean that Russia admits that it has not achieved its goals. One can speculate about that. What is certainly needed are agreements for humanitarian corridors and for a ceasefire. You have to try to achieve that now.
Can Switzerland also play a role there?
Naturally. Our Federal President made an appeal. We will continue to make appeals. Russia has all the humanitarian obligations like other countries. You won’t forget to remember that.
The conversation was led by Larissa Rhyn.