The Bern cantonal police have had to hire private guards to help with the needs to secure the Russian Embassy in the city.
The police are spending nearly CHF 350,000 on the private guards as they don’t have the manpower.
They are now asking federal authorities for permission to use soldiers to guard the embassy.
The army was once used to protect embassies, but 10 years ago the government decided the role should be a civilian one. If the army were to get involved, it would mean a change in policy.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs has criticised the Russians for threatening a Swiss journalist for reports from Ukraine. The Russians say he broke Russian law and could be imprisoned if he entered the country.
Bern has been clear with the Russians saying the freedom of the press is protected by the constitution in Switzerland.
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