Representation of Ukrainian interests in Russia by Switzerland is out of the question - Russian Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW. Aug 11 (Interfax) - Switzerland cannot represent Ukrainian interests in Russia, since it has lost its neutral status by joining anti-Russian sanctions, deputy head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Information and Press Department Ivan Nechayev said at a press briefing on Thursday.

"Indeed, the Swiss asked for our opinion on their possible representation of the interests of Ukraine in Russia and the interests of Russia in Ukraine a rather long time ago. We made it absolutely clear that, regretfully, Switzerland has lost its status of a neutral state and cannot be an intermediary or a representative of interests. As you know, Bern has joined the illegal Western sanctions against Russia," Nechayev said.

"It is unclear" how Bern "could offer mediation, representation or any other good services," considering its stance, he said.

"The fact that Bern, being aware of our opinion, continued talks on mutual representation with Kyiv is yet another confirmation that it does not really care about Russia's interests. This only strengthens our conviction that any representation or mediation by Switzerland is out of the question," Nechayev said.

Switzerland said on Wednesday it was ready to represent the interests of Ukraine in Russia amid the absence of Russian-Ukrainian diplomatic relations.