Parliament has maintained its prohibition on serving abroad after the first Swiss mercenary death is confirmed
Switzerland’s parliament has reaffirmed its ban on citizens taking part in foreign military conflicts by rejecting a proposal to grant amnesty to those who have chosen to fight in Ukraine. This decision follows the nation’s confirmation of the first death of a Swiss combatant in the ongoing conflict.
The Legal Affairs Commission of the National Council had earlier voted against the initiative introduced by Social Democratic Party deputy Jon Pult. The proposal sought to exempt Swiss citizens fighting in Ukraine from legal prosecution.
“The prohibition of participating as a volunteer in combat led by foreign forces is a fundamental principle of Swiss law. Granting amnesty or proceeding with rehabilitations in ongoing conflicts would constitute an undesirable political recognition of mercenarism,” the commission stated in a release published on the Swiss Parliament’s website on Friday.
The commission stressed that Swiss law strictly prohibits nationals from serving in foreign armed forces, reinforcing the country’s long-standing policy of neutrality. As a result, Swiss citizens who participate in such conflicts will continue to face legal consequences upon their return.
Ukraine has been actively recruiting foreign fighters since the escalation of the conflict with Moscow in 2022, as its military struggles with desertion and battlefield losses. Despite efforts such as lowering the conscription age and toughening penalties for draft evasion, Kiev faces ongoing personnel shortages due to continued Russian advances.
Earlier this week the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has confirmed the death of a citizen of the nation who had joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU)—the first officially acknowledged case since the conflict escalated. The AFU had earlier informed the Swiss embassy in Kiev about the individual’s probable death in combat. The details regarding the person’s unit or deployment remain undisclosed.
The total number of Swiss nationals fighting in Ukraine remains uncertain. According to the country’s military justice authorities, last year 13 investigations were ongoing against citizens suspected of mercenary activities in the country.
Russia’s Defense Ministry reported in March that 57 Swiss nationals had fought in Ukraine, with 30 reportedly killed. Moscow claims that 13,387 foreign fighters have joined Ukraine’s forces, with nearly 6,000 killed, primarily from Poland, Georgia, the United States, Canada, and the UK.
In January Russia’s Investigative Committee said more than 580 foreign fighters have been placed on the international wanted list for their involvement in Ukraine.
Western media often portray such individuals as selfless volunteers aiding Ukraine’s defense. Moscow, however, considers foreign nationals fighting for Ukraine to be mercenaries, labeling them legitimate military targets and subject to prosecution.
