Published on: 04/24/2022 – 19:43
Swiss neutrality put to the test by the war in Ukraine. Bern has joined the sanctions against Russia. And froze the fortunes of the oligarchs. But supplying arms to Ukraine is out of the question. Switzerland has vetoed Germany’s sending of Swiss-made ammunition for the Ukrainian army.
With our correspondent in Geneva, Jeremiah Lance
The ammunition in question is manufactured in the Zurich region. They are equipping the German Marder tank, which Berlin could deliver to the Ukraine. Germany therefore asked its neighbor for permission to proceed. But Bern was against it. Both because of Swiss neutrality and because of the Swiss law that prohibits the export of war material to conflict countries. Information confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Economics.
However, some elected officials in Switzerland say they do not understand the government’s position, which has the power to authorize these exports if it is in the country’s interests. The head of the largest centre-right party even speaks of no aid for Ukraine.
In reality, Swiss-made weapons are being used in the conflict. Including Ukrainian anti-tank warheads. But these are just components. The assembly took place in Great Britain. So who didn’t need to ask Switzerland for their opinion before sending them to Kyiv.