Switzerland Grants Putin Immunity for Ukraine Peace Talks

Switzerland has declared its willingness to grant Russian President Vladimir Putin immunity from prosecution if he attends peace talks on Ukraine hosted in the country, despite the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant against him. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis emphasized that immunity applies only in the context of official peace conferences and not for private visits. This offer aligns with Switzerland's long-standing role as a neutral mediator in international conflicts, with Geneva being proposed as the venue for potential peace talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a suggestion supported by French President Emmanuel Macron. While Switzerland has adopted European sanctions against Russia, it continues to express readiness to facilitate dialogue and peace negotiations. The ICC warrant accuses Putin and a Russian official of illegal deportation of Ukrainian children, but Russia rejects the court's jurisdiction and accusations. Switzerland’s position reflects a balance between its legal obligations under international law and its commitment to supporting peace efforts in Ukraine.