Supporters of the initiative say Swiss neutrality, dating to the end of the Napoleonic Wars, has been “stretched” since Bern imposed economic sanctions on Russia following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The Swiss constitution currently contains no fixed definition of neutrality, but campaigners want it to state that Swiss neutrality is perpetual and armed and that the country cannot join military alliances. SWISS NEUTRALITY REFERENDUMThe proposal would also prevent Switzerland from participating in conflicts between third countries or imposing sanctions against warring nations unless the United Nations approved those measures. GOVERNMENT WARNS OF SECURITY RISKS“Switzerland has been and is neutral, and it will remain neutral,” Cassis said. He argued that many of the campaigners’ objectives were already being met because Swiss neutrality is internationally recognized and the country does not belong to a military or defense alliance.