Switzerland Confirms First Citizen Killed in Combat in Ukraine

Switzerland has confirmed the death of a Swiss citizen who was fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. This marks the first official case involving a Swiss national, according to the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, as reported by SRF on February 12.

Earlier this year, the Swiss embassy in Kyiv was informed by the Ukrainian military that the Swiss citizen had likely died in combat. 

The department noted that they are in contact with the deceased's family, though the exact circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear. Information regarding the specific military unit the individual served in and their deployment location has not been provided.

The Swiss government has not disclosed the number of Swiss citizens currently volunteering to fight in Ukraine. Under Swiss law, joining a foreign military is prohibited, and violators could face fines or up to three years in prison.

Previously, it was reported that Russian guards were granted carte blanche to torture Ukrainian prisoners of war.