Switzerland Signals Readiness to Host Potential Trump-Putin Meeting

Switzerland has expressed its willingness to facilitate a high-level meeting between US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, should both parties request it. Nicolas Bideau, spokesperson for the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, made the announcement, as reported by Le Temps and Tages-Anzeiger.

According to Bideau, Switzerland has consistently communicated its readiness to support diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace following the Bürgenstock Peace Summit, which Switzerland hosted. “After the summit in Bürgenstock, Ukraine, Russia, and the United States were regularly informed of our readiness to assist with any diplomatic efforts to establish peace,” Bideau stated.

While emphasizing Switzerland’s neutral role, Bideau clarified that the country would not initiate such a meeting but is prepared to host it if formally requested by both leaders.

Notably, Bideau addressed concerns regarding the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Putin, asserting that it would not obstruct his potential visit to Switzerland. He explained that the Swiss government has the discretion to make exceptions for participation in peace negotiations.

Earlier, US President-elect Donald Trump confirmed plans for a potential meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking at an event in Mar-a-Lago, Trump stated, “He wants to meet, and we are setting it up,” while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the intention but noted that formal requests had not yet been made.