Switzerland also remains neutral towards Putin’s Russia. The Bern government denied Spain’s authority to supply Ukraine with two Swiss-made anti-aircraft guns. In order for Madrid’s military vehicles to be exported, the producing country must give the green light. The same procedure followed for the delivery of German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Kiev: their delivery to the Ukrainian army requires permission from Berlin, regardless of where the tanks are located.
As in other cases, the Swiss government, as part of its policy of neutrality, confirmed on January 16 that it would not allow Spain to hand over two anti-aircraft guns after receiving Madrid’s request. In a note, Spain’s Federal Ministry of Economy, tasked with negotiating with Bern on a request for support to Kiev, confirmed Switzerland’s refusal, as Swiss law does not allow the re-export of war products to warring countries.
Switzerland had previously refused similar re-export requests to Denmark and Germany, and Germany had requested last year to transfer Swiss weapons to Ukraine to help it respond to the Russian invasion. In particular, Switzerland rejected Germany’s two requests for the re-export of Swiss ammunition to Ukraine for Gepard tanks and Denmark’s request for the supply of about twenty Piranha III armored personnel carriers.
Switzerland’s refusal to cooperate in sending defensive weapons to Ukraine has sparked controversy in the country. The Executive recalled that the national Parliament is analyzing possible “corrections” in its policy on arms re-exports. Despite its traditional policy of neutrality, Switzerland joined the European Union’s economic sanctions against Russia. For this reason, it is included in the list of countries considered “enemy” by Moscow.
Source: Today IT
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
