Switzerland rejects stricter interpretation of its neutrality

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Russia openly backed the initiative, which would have required Switzerland to seek UN approval for sanctions

Voters in Switzerland have overwhelmingly rejected a stricter interpretation of the country's tradition of diplomatic neutrality.

More than 70% of Swiss voters rejected proposals that would have prevented the European nation from imposing sanctions without UN approval, official results showed.

The move would have also prevented Switzerland from pursuing closer ties with the Nato military alliance.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has reopened the debate around Switzerland's centuries-old non-alignment.

Moscow openly backed the initiative, which was supported by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) and opposed by the federal government and all other major parties.