Swiss Authorities Confirm Covert Operations Targeting Neutrality Initiative Vote
What happened
Swiss authorities confirmed that covert operations were underway ahead of the country's neutrality initiative vote. The State Secretariat for Security Policy stated that Russian state platform RT DE was also openly publishing numerous articles regarding the initiative. The Swiss government, based in Bern, has implemented formal sanctions against the city of Moscow. Independent expert Ian Garner suspects that stories published by RT originate from the Kremlin’s direction.
From swissinfo.ch
Why it matters
The interventions occurred because Moscow had a direct interest in the outcome of the vote. If the initiative had been accepted, Switzerland would have been unable to follow European Union sanctions against Moscow. The ongoing sanctions regime remains a key factor in the relationship between Bern and Moscow.
From swissinfo.ch
Who's involved
- BernCity in Switzerland where the government seat is located and formal sanctions are imposed.
- MoscowCity in Russia against which formal sanctions are levied by the Swiss government.
- Ian GarnerHistorian who suspects that RT articles originate from the Kremlin.
- KremlinFortified complex in Moscow suspected by a historian to be the source of RT stories.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Bern
city in Switzerland, capital of the canton of Bern and de facto capital of Switzerland
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Moscow
capital and most populous city of Russia
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Ian Garner
historian
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Related events
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