Switzerland Under Pressure: Zelensky to Address Parliament

The Swiss parliament announced its approval of a request from Ukrainian authorities for President Volodymyr Zelensky to deliver a speech before it, amidst pressure on the Bern government to abandon its centuries-long neutrality and end the ban on exporting Swiss weapons to conflict zones like Ukraine. Consequently, Zelensky will be the first foreign leader to give a speech, via video, before the Swiss parliament. The Ukrainian president is scheduled to speak during the summer session of parliament starting on May 30, without any details being disclosed about the content of his speech. So far, the Swiss government has refused to change this policy. During the session, lawmakers are also set to consider a proposal to provide support amounting to five billion Swiss francs (5.6 billion dollars) to Ukraine over the next five to ten years.