Ignazio Cassis

Swiss President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis declared on Thursday that Switzerland will host a pivotal international conference in June, aimed at fostering peace in Ukraine. With invitations extended to over 100 countries, the conference seeks to galvanize global efforts towards ending the prolonged conflict that has plagued Ukraine for more than two years.

Swiss President Ignazio Cassis called on Feb. 6 for "calm and creativity" to fix Switzerland's thorny relations with the European Union.

Ties between Brussels and Bern have been strained since non-EU member Switzerland suddenly decided in May 2021 to end years of discussion towards a broad cooperation agreement with the bloc.

The airspace over Geneva during the summit of Russian and U.S. leaders, scheduled for 16 June, may be closed for civil aviation, the spokesman for the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport said on Tuesday as Switzerland is preparing to monitor the airspace, Swiss media report.

U.S. President Joe Biden is preparing on June 3 to embark on his first overseas trip next week, including stops in the U.K., Belgium and Switzerland.