Switzerland has registered an increase in cyberattacks and disinformation in the run-up to a summit this weekend that aims to create a pathway for peace in Ukraine.
Ninety states and organisations have registered to take part in the talks due to be held at a resort near the central city of Lucerne from June 15 to 16th, roughly half of them from South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East and Switzerland.
Swiss President Viola Amherd told a press conference that cyber attacks had increased in recent weeks and was asked how her government was addressing personal attacks against her in Russian media that have been publicized in Switzerland.
Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said there was a clear “interest” in disrupting the talks, but avoided saying who was behind the attacks when asked if Russia was involved.
Switzerland agreed to host the summit at the behest of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and has tried to drum up support for it among countries that have better relations with Moscow than leading Western powers.
Russia has dismissed the summit as a waste of time. It was not invited to participate, Switzerland says, because it signaled it had no interest in attending. Cassis reiterated though, that Russia must be part of the peace process.
Its absence has encouraged powerful allies of Moscow such as China to say there is no point in peace talks unless both Russia and Ukraine take part. That has dampened expectations for any kind of major breakthrough in Switzerland.
Swiss army and police personnel are getting ready in Burgenstock and around, setting up security check points and securing the area.