Swiss voters have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to impose a stricter interpretation of the country’s neutrality, with more than 70% voting against it. The initiative would have required UN approval before Switzerland could impose sanctions and blocked closer ties with Nato, reflecting debate over whether neutrality permits action against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The proposal was backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party and openly supported by Moscow, but opposed by the government and other major parties. Switzerland’s neutrality dates from 1815 and legally restricts arms supplies to countries at war, although officials argue it can be applied flexibly and does not mean ignoring breaches of international law.