Zelensky becomes first world leader to give online speech to Switzerland's parliament

This became known during a meeting of the Swiss parliament, Ukrinform reports citing Evropeiska Pravda.

Martin Candinas, the speaker of the Swiss National Council (lower house), announced Zelensky's speech at the beginning of the debate, adding that the date had been chosen in agreement with the Ukrainian side. The duration of the speech was not specified.

Thomas Aeschy, leader of the right-wing Swiss People's Party parliamentary group, criticised the decision to allow Zelensky to speak, saying it could be seen as influencing the debate on weapons and ammunition supplies.

He later said that most members of his faction would not attend the speech of the Ukrainian president.

It should be noted that Zelensky will be the first president to address the Swiss parliament via video call.

Since 1970, 28 guest speakers have spoken in the country's legislature. Among them were presidents of countries and representatives of international organisations, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the President of the Senate.