Zelenskyy to address the Swiss Parliament on June 15

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address the Swiss Parliament via video link on Thursday, June 15, at 14:00 (15:00 Kyiv time).

This became known on Monday during a meeting of the Swiss parliament, according to Yevropeiska Pravda.

Zelenskyy's speech was announced by the Speaker of the National Council (lower house) of Switzerland, Martin Candinas, at the beginning of the debate, adding that the date was chosen in agreement with the Ukrainian side. The duration of the speech was not specified.

Immediately after the announcement, Thomas Aeschy, leader of the far-right Swiss People's Party parliamentary group, criticized the decision to allow Zelenskiy to speak, saying that it could be seen as influencing the debate on arms and ammunition supplies.

He later said that most members of his faction would not attend the speech.

It should be noted that Zelenskyy will be the first president to address the Swiss parliament via video link.

Since 1970, 28 guest speakers have addressed the country's legislature. Among them were presidents of countries and representatives of international organizations, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the President of the Senate.

In March 2022, the President of Ukraine delivered a speech to a group of people gathered in Bern on the Day of Solidarity with Ukraine. He called on Switzerland to take a stronger stance against Russian oligarchs.

Author - Olena Madiak, 06/06/2023