Legal battle over neutrality
Swiss authorities have launched 24 probes into citizens who may have taken part in the conflict in Ukraine. These investigations, which began in 2022, reflect the strict Swiss laws that prohibit citizens from engaging in foreign wars or acting as mercenaries.
Out of the 24 cases, 10 have already been concluded, but 14 remain open. Some of these investigations are not focused on specific people but rather on verifying whether any Swiss citizens were involved in the war in Ukraine. It is illegal for Swiss citizens to act as mercenaries or join foreign military forces, with penalties including up to three years in prison.
No exceptions allowed
In February 2025, the Swiss Parliament rejected a proposal to permit citizens to fight in Ukraine. This rejection keeps the current ban in place, meaning Swiss individuals found in military uniforms in Ukraine could still face legal consequences in Swiss courts.
In 2025, the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a Swiss citizen died while participating in the war, but it did not reveal the person’s identity or the circumstances of their death. This secrecy contributes to the ongoing debate about Switzerland’s handling of its neutrality policy in wartime.
Global mercenary numbers
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that as of March 2024, there were 13,387 foreign fighters in Ukraine. Of these, 5,962 were either killed or removed from combat. Poland reported the highest number of participants, with 2,960 citizens, and Georgia was second with 1,042.
Among Poland’s participants, 1,497 are believed to have died, while 561 of Georgia's 1,042 participants have reportedly died. The Ukrainian side has not responded to the Russian data, leaving the figures unverified.
Experts say these investigations illustrate Switzerland’s firm stance on neutrality and its commitment to enforcing laws that prevent its citizens from joining conflicts abroad. The country continues to balance its international obligations with strict legal enforcement.
As the situation evolves, Switzerland remains focused on maintaining the integrity of its laws and its role as a neutral state, even as other countries send citizens to fight in foreign wars.