Switzerland Gears Up for Ukraine Peace Conference Amid Russian Disruption Concerns

Switzerland is preparing for potential Russian interference tactics ahead of the Ukraine peace conference scheduled for June, according to a report published on May 26, 2024. The Swiss parliament is considering measures to combat Russian espionage as the country gears up for the summit, which Russia was not invited to and has deemed a waste of time. The conference is set to take place on June 15-16 at the Bürgenstock resort in Nidwalden, near Lucerne, with representatives from 70 countries expected to attend.
Concerns have been raised about possible cyberattacks by Russian state-supported hacker groups targeting the conference. Samir Aliyev, a lecturer in cybersecurity, highlighted that international events of this nature often attract the attention of such groups. Switzerland’s history with Russian hacking incidents, especially during times of sanctions or significant diplomatic events, has prompted caution among Swiss officials and experts.
In response to the broader threat of Russian espionage, the Swiss Senate is poised to vote on a motion to toughen the country’s stance on expelling foreign spies, a measure already approved by the House of Representatives and supported by Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. The Swiss secret service estimates that at least a third of the 217 Russian diplomats in Switzerland are engaged in espionage activities.
This report comes amid Switzerland’s longstanding reputation as a hub for international espionage, with Geneva known as one of the world’s espionage hotspots. The country has historically taken a hands-off approach to dealing with foreign spies operating within its borders.