Ukrainian President Zelensky to address Swiss parliament

Switzerland's parliament has approved a request from Ukrainian authorities for President Volodymyr Zelensky to address it.

The invitation, announced in a statement late on Friday, comes amid pressure on Switzerland's government to break with a centuries-old tradition of neutrality and end a ban of exports of Swiss weapons to conflict zones such as Ukraine.

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So far, the government has refused to change this policy.

The subject of Zelensky's address, which will the first by video by a foreign leader to the legislature, is unknown. It is scheduled for the summer session beginning on May 30.

During that session, lawmakers are also set to weigh a motion to provide 5 billion Swiss Francs ($5.6 billion) of support to Ukraine over 5-10 years.

Reuters