Switzerland has deployed up to 4,000 soldiers to maintain security for the Summit for Peace in Ukraine, which is being held at the luxury Bürgenstock resort near Lucerne. The security arrangements are colossal, with soldiers positioned at multiple checkpoints and fencing and barbed wire installed around the perimeter. More than 50 heads of state, including French President Emmanuel Macron and US Vice President Kamala Harris, are being protected at the summit. A temporary military heliport has been set up to allow for the arrival and departure of different delegations, with the resort’s isolated mountaintop location providing an extra layer of security.
In addition to physical threats, the summit is also facing risks of cyberattacks and disinformation. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has noted the potential for disrupting the conference, with the first wave of distributed denial-of-service attacks (DDoS) targeting government websites. These attacks aim to overload websites with requests, causing them to crash. The Swiss National Cyber Security Centre expects more attacks to occur over the weekend, highlighting the need for comprehensive protective measures to safeguard the event.
The security measures put in place for the summit have impacted local residents beyond the checkpoints. More than 400 residents with homes and farms in the area require a special pass to access the zone, leading to frustration among some individuals. Residents have expressed concerns about the lack of consultation regarding the organization of the conference and have cited noise disturbances from helicopter passages as a source of annoyance. The significant presence of security forces and restrictions on access have undoubtedly disrupted the daily lives of those living in the vicinity of the summit venue.
The Bürgenstock Hotel has a history of hosting high-level political meetings, with previous peace talks on Sudan and Cyprus held at the resort in the past. Its isolated location provides a sense of security for the event, making it an ideal choice for hosting a summit of this scale. The deployment of thousands of soldiers, installation of fencing and barbed wire, and establishment of a temporary military heliport all contribute to ensuring the safety and protection of the more than 50 heads of state and government attending the summit.
As the summit progresses, the threats of cyberattacks and disinformation continue to loom, requiring vigilance from security forces and officials. The Swiss government remains committed to safeguarding the smooth running of the conference and addressing any potential disruptions that may arise. The collaboration between various agencies and authorities involved in securing the event underscores the importance of thorough planning and coordination to address the multifaceted security challenges posed by hosting a high-profile international gathering.
Despite the challenges and disruptions faced by local residents and authorities, the Summit for Peace in Ukraine represents a critical opportunity for global leaders to come together and address pressing issues in the region. The immense security measures put in place reflect the gravity of the discussions taking place and the need to ensure the safety of all participants. By addressing physical, cyber, and informational threats, Switzerland is demonstrating its commitment to hosting a successful and secure summit that paves the way for meaningful dialogue and diplomatic resolutions.
