On 12 February 2026, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Swiss Confederation, Iryna Venediktova, paid an official visit to the Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden.

In Trogen, the Ambassador held a meeting with the Vice President and Member of the Cantonal Government, Yves Noël Balmer, Government Member Susanne Metzger, and State Chancellor Roger Nobs.

During the discussions, the parties addressed current issues of Ukrainian-Swiss cooperation at the regional level, prospects for the development of intermunicipal partnerships, and further support for Ukraine.

The Ambassador briefed her interlocutors on the current security and humanitarian situation in Ukraine, with particular emphasis on the challenges in the energy sector caused by damage to critical infrastructure. She underscored Ukraine’s needs in restoring energy facilities and strengthening the resilience of the energy system, especially in the context of Russia’s ongoing armed aggression against Ukraine.

As part of the visit, Iryna Venediktova also visited the Pestalozzi Children’s Village in Trogen, where she met with Ukrainian citizens staying in Switzerland under temporary protection status “S.” The discussion focused on educational opportunities and further support for Ukrainians in the canton.

The Ambassador expressed sincere gratitude to the Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden for its solidarity with Ukraine and its support for Ukrainian citizens.

The visit took place in a constructive and friendly atmosphere and reaffirmed the shared interest in further developing partnership relations between Ukraine and the Swiss Confederation.