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Swiss Army Chief Urges Urgent Military Preparedness Against Russia

12/27/2025

Summary

Story summary

Swiss army chief Thomas Süssli criticized Switzerland's response to Russian aggression as lacking urgency amid the Ukraine war.
He noted that only one third of soldiers are fully equipped for emergencies.
He cited three causes of complacency, including wartime absence, the distance of the Ukraine conflict, and a false sense of neutrality.
Süssli urged neutrality to be backed by military capability and called for innovation and international cooperation.

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Story summary

Swiss army chief Thomas Süssli criticized Switzerland's response to Russian aggression as lacking urgency amid the Ukraine war.
He noted that only one third of soldiers are fully equipped for emergencies.
He cited three causes of complacency, including wartime absence, the distance of the Ukraine conflict, and a false sense of neutrality.
Süssli urged neutrality to be backed by military capability and called for innovation and international cooperation.