Spy agency accused of being slow on spotting invasion

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The Swiss intelligence agency is being criticized for seemingly missing the imminent invasion of Ukraine and leaving the government unprepared for its reaction.

The Federal Intelligence Agency – or FIS - has recently had its budget expanded and has employed nearly a 100 more people over the last few months. 

Critics point to other countries which warned loudly of the threat, including the UK and the US agencies, which tweeted Russia was ready to attack. But there was only silence from the FIS. 

The lack of clear guidance is being seen as at least partly responsible for the initial confusion by the Federal Council. 

The president, Ignazio Cassis, says the invasion caught them by surprise, but in Switzerland the threats of invasion were partly seen as propaganda. 

It seems the Swiss analysts believed Russia would only move into the Donbas region. 

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