Navigating Uncertainty
Aid Cuts, Diplomacy, and Switzerland's Role in a Shifting World
The world of diplomacy and humanitarian aid is shifting fast, and Switzerland finds itself right in the middle of it all. From massive aid cuts due to a USAID freeze to backchannel diplomacy in Geneva, the consequences of global power shifts are rippling across Europe. Meanwhile, at the Munich Security Conference, Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter picked up on a familiar theme – U.S. unpredictability on the world stage.
Amid all this, Switzerland holds firm in its traditional neutrality. But as crises mount, can it stay on course? Let’s break it down.
When the Money Stops Flowing: HEKS & Terre des Hommes Hit Hard
It’s a tough season for humanitarian organizations. HEKS, the Swiss Protestant Reformed Church’s relief arm, is being forced to lay off 100+ staff and shut down vital projects in Ukraine, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo – all because the U.S. froze humanitarian aid under Donald Trump. The numbers are stark:
CHF 7.5 million in lost funding (6% of HEKS’ budget)
Over 800,000 people losing access to food, clean water, and hygiene kits
Terre des Hommes is facing a $10 million shortfall, affecting 1.5 million beneficiaries across nine countries
When the world’s richest country turns off the aid tap, the repercussions are immediate and devastating. But this isn’t just about numbers – it’s about people in crisis who now face an even tougher road ahead.
And if you followed the Munich Security Conference (MSC), you would have noticed: uncertainty about U.S. foreign policy was thick in the air.
Munich Security Conference: Reading Between the Lines
At MSC 2025, Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter saw echoes of Davos – the same nerves, the same questions about where the U.S. is heading. Vice President J.D. Vance took the stage, but instead of reassuring allies, he spent more time criticizing Europe (especially Germany) than addressing Ukraine.
No surprises there – Keller-Sutter had already sensed that Ukraine wouldn’t be Washington’s top priority. Meanwhile, Switzerland is preparing to host the OSCE meetings in 2026, and Defense Minister Viola Amherd made one thing clear: any peace talks must involve both Ukraine and Russia.
With official diplomacy moving cautiously, unofficial diplomacy is stepping up – right in Switzerland’s backyard.
Behind the Scenes: Geneva’s Secret Diplomacy
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the Geneva Center for Security Policy (GCSP) has quietly hosted 10 meetings between Russian and Ukrainian figures. This isn’t government-led diplomacy – this is “Track II diplomacy”, where experts, think tanks, and former officials work behind the scenes to keep the dialogue alive.
The GCSP’s “Ceasefire Toolkit”, developed with international experts, was recently presented at an informal Geneva meeting. Could this be a small step toward peace? Maybe.
Switzerland has long been a hub for backchannel negotiations, and its neutral stance makes it a credible player. But neutrality isn’t the same as inaction – something Keller-Sutter emphasized just this week.
Swiss Neutrality: Firm but Not Silent
If you think Swiss neutrality means staying out of the conversation, think again. At a press conference in Bern, Karin Keller-Sutter responded to questions about shifting U.S. policies with a signature Swiss reply: “Volume is not a measure of the quality of foreign policy”.
Translation? Loud diplomacy isn’t necessarily effective diplomacy.
Switzerland remains committed to:
Human rights
International law
Democracy & free trade
As for Ukraine, Switzerland condemns Russia’s attack and insists that any peace deal must be just, lasting, and legally sound. But while Switzerland supports diplomatic efforts, it’s not looking to lead peace talks just yet – “there are simply other players in the game at the moment”.
So, while aid is being cut, diplomacy is shifting, and U.S. policies remain uncertain, Switzerland stays the course. Neutral, yes – but never indifferent.
With humanitarian aid shrinking, Track II diplomacy gaining traction, and neutrality being redefined, Switzerland is playing its role carefully. But the question remains: can Switzerland maintain its balancing act in a world that’s rapidly shifting?
One thing’s for sure: the next few years will test how much influence a small, neutral country can still wield.