The National Council has rejected a proposal to increase financial support for Ukraine. On Wednesday, two motions from the Social Democratic Party and the Green Liberal Party failed to pass, with 111 votes against 73 and four abstentions.
The motions aimed to link the financial support of Switzerland for Ukraine to its own economic performance. This would have led to an increase in humanitarian aid of around 4.8 billion francs, similar to what other countries do. However, the proposal did not gain a majority in the parliament.
In 2023, National Council members Marianne Binder, Fabian Molina and Tiana Moser had each submitted a similar motion. Since Binder was elected to the Senate, her party colleague Andreas Meier took over the initiative, but ultimately withdrew it. Without the support of the Centre Party, the chances of the remaining proposals were slim.
So far, the Federal Council has approved three aid packages for Ukraine’s support. Additionally, the financing decision for development cooperation until 2028 includes a commitment of 1.5 billion francs. Any further increase in aid remains uncertain for the time being.
A new survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations shows that 20% of Europeans expect Russia to win the war in Ukraine, while only 9% believe in a Ukrainian victory. The majority (48%) sees a compromise solution as the most likely outcome. Despite Western weapon deliveries, the opinion on the war’s outcome remains divided.
Corruption in Ukraine is a central factor in the uncertainty. Reports of embezzlement of aid funds and offshore accounts of Ukrainian politicians raise questions about the effectiveness of Western support. Revelations like the Pandora Papers show that state funds intended for infrastructure or military aid often disappear into private accounts. Swiss banks, in particular, play a role in obscuring these financial flows.
Corruption not only endangers the war effort but also the future reconstruction of Ukraine. Critics argue that Western financial aid without effective controls will continue to fuel corruption and undermine trust in the Ukrainian government.