Switzerland ‘blocks weapons exports’ from Spain to Ukraine
Switzerland has imposed sanctions on Russia but refuses to let other countries re-export its weapons to Ukraine.
Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved
Spanish Defence Minister, Margarita Robles, says Switzerland is refusing to allow her country to re-export war materiel to Ukraine.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
Español
es
Suiza “bloquea exportaciones de armas” de España a Ucrania
Switzerland has stuck firmly to the line that its neutrality would be damaged by allowing other countries to send Swiss-produced weapons and ammunition to Ukraine.
The Swiss government has resisted pressure from Germany to sanction the re-export of ammunition to supply anti-aircraft vehicles already in Ukraine.
It now appears likely that Spain is bringing similar pressure to bear on Switzerland.
“We understand, respect and accept neutrality, but we need authorisation from Switzerland for this type of material, which is not being given at the moment,” Roble is reported to have told a meeting of Spanish ambassadors this week.
According to the Europapress newspaper, Robles has asked the Spanish ambassador to Switzerland to take up the case with Bern.
The amount of war materiel involved is not made clear and it is also unknown precisely what type of military equipment Spain wants to send to Ukraine.
More
More
Swiss foreign policy: the end of privilege
This content was published on
For many years Switzerland was able to increase its prosperity discreetly under the cover of neutrality. But times are changing.
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
How is your country dealing with the return of stolen artifacts?
Western nations like Switzerland often have to deal with the process of recovering or returning looted artifacts which have been illegally imported. What’s the situation like in your country?
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss neutrality is misunderstood in Ukraine, says Swiss ambassador
This content was published on
People in Ukraine do not understand the Swiss concept of neutrality, says Claude Wild, Switzerland’s ambassador to Ukraine.
This content was published on
Switzerland will not change its policy of political neutrality despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the government has confirmed.
German ammunition plant to sidestep Swiss re-export ban
This content was published on
Weapons manufacturer Rheinmetall to build factory in Germany as Switzerland refuses to allow its ammunition to be re-exported to Ukraine.
Swiss block German request to re-export tank ammunition to Ukraine
This content was published on
The Swiss government has confirmed that it vetoed the re-export of Swiss-made ammunition used in anti-aircraft tanks that Germany plans to send to Ukraine.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.