Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed a video call to the Swiss in Bern today, criticizing companies that continue to operate in Russia despite the war and calling for the freezing of assets of Kremlin’s close associates in Swiss banks.
In an online speech to Kyiv, addressed to the thousands of people who had gathered in front of the Swiss parliament in Bern, Zelensky criticized Swiss companies continuing their operations in Russia.
“Things are moving forward in Russia, even when our children are dying and our cities are being demolished,” he said.
Participants in the rally, including Swiss President Ignacio Cassis, who had taken the stage with Ukrainian diplomats, were able to watch Zelensky’s nine-minute speech, which was translated into German, despite some temporary technical problems.
A banner reading “Solidarity in Ukraine. Stop the war now” was hung on the stage. Anti-war protesters held Ukrainian flags.
“It hurts,” Zelensky continued, referring to the banks. “The money of the people who started this war is in your banks. Help us fight this. To freeze these funds” of the oligarchs, the Ukrainian president demanded.
“There is a need to completely freeze the assets of these people and their bank accounts. And this is also a battle against evil, but you can do it,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president demanded that the Russian officials be deprived of their property and privileges. The number of wealthy Russians living in Switzerland has increased in recent years.
“I am very impressed, dear Volodymyr, by your will to resist,” Swiss President Ignacio Cassis, who is due to cross the Polish-Ukrainian border on Monday, replied in English.
“We are impressed by the courage with which your people are fighting for freedom and peace. We are impressed by the way you stand for the fundamental values ​​of the free world, which are our fundamental values.”
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