Photo: still image / 1tv.ru
The scope of Russophobia in Switzerland is decreasing, says Russian Ambassador Sergey Garmonin. According to him, the views on the conflict in Ukraine and the deterioration of relations between Russia and the collective West are also undergoing changes among the population of the country, RIA Novosti reports. People are gradually starting to look at what is happening more soberly, the ambassador said.
In 2022, anti-Russian sentiment was prevalent, noted the ambassador, but it is now waning. Ordinary Swiss citizens are growing discontented with issues arising from Ukrainian refugees, leading to a weariness of the Ukraine situation. The embassy closely monitors local media, which predominantly features anti-Russian content, the diplomat emphasized. However, Swiss citizens' comments under these publications indicate a shift in attitude.
Gennady Gatilov, the head of Russia's representative office at the UN headquarters in Geneva, remarked that Swiss authorities seem more focused on supporting the Kiev regime and fostering Russophobia than addressing the concerns of their own citizens.
Annual sociological survey showed that the population in 2023 is most concerned about the medicine and health care, pensions, climate and the environment. Notably, the Ukrainian conflict is now considered important by only 13% of respondents.
The head of the diplomatic mission expressed disappointment that Swiss authorities have not taken preventive measures, such as establishing security guards, nor made substantial efforts to identify and penalize unknown attackers targeting Russian monuments. It's worth mentioning that two months ago Swiss natives and Russian compatriots joined forces to clean a monument commemorating Russian soldiers' valor against French troops led by Alexander Suvorov in the late 18 century.
Russkiy Mir
