“Under the principle of equal treatment in neutrality law, Switzerland cannot agree to a request for the transfer of war materiel of Swiss origin to Ukraine as long as the latter is involved in an international armed conflict,” the government saidExternal link on Thursday.
Via Economics Minister Guy Parmelin, the government was responding to a letter from German defence minister Christine Lambrecht, dated October 21, asking for approval to send 12,400 rounds of Swiss-made ammunition to Ukraine, for use in Gepard anti-aircraft tanks which the country needs for the war against Russia.
Kyiv says it wants the ammunition, and the tanks, to shoot down cruise missiles and kamikaze drones fired by Russian forces.
More
More
Report: Germany pressures Switzerland to re-export tank ammo to Ukraine
This content was published on
Switzerland faces pressure from Germany to review its veto over the re-export of Swiss-made tank ammunition that Berlin wants to send to Ukraine.
The re-export of the 35mm shells, originally supplied by Swiss companies to the German army decades ago, was already ruled out by the Swiss government in April. In June, the government again confirmed its stance of not supplying arms – either directly or via re-export – to conflict zones.
Neutral Switzerland requires countries that buy Swiss arms to seek permission to re-export them. According to Swiss law, exports of war material must be refused if the country of destination is involved in an international armed conflict.
The legal situation “remains unchanged”, the government said on Thursday.
The cabinet reiterated its commitment to peace and security in Ukraine by referring to a fresh financial aid package of CHF100 million it announced for the country yesterday.
More
More
The controversial lucrative business of Swiss arms deals
This content was published on
With the threat of a people’s initiative, the Swiss parliament is seeking to tighten the screws on weapon exporters.
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
This content was published on
Economics Minister Guy Parmelin and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis have welcomed Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang to Bern
Michelle Hunziker to co-present Eurovision Song Contest
This content was published on
Swiss-Italian television moderator Michelle Hunziker will be one of the presenters of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), scheduled for May 13-17 in Basel.
Business travellers face highest public transport costs in Switzerland
This content was published on
Public transport ticket prices for adults in Switzerland are around the European average, according to a study. Swiss senior citizens and business travellers tend to pay more.
This content was published on
The amount of unproductive land in Switzerland has hardly changed in recent decades. Nationwide, it shrank by around 2% between 1985 and 2018.
Rescue teams had hands full at Lauberhorn ski race
This content was published on
From broken bones to heart attacks, the rescue teams had a busy weekend at the Ski World Cup in Wengen, which attracted a record 80,000 fans.
Swiss solar company Meyer Burger secures additional financing
This content was published on
The bridge financing concluded to stabilise the Swiss company has been extended and increased. The company has also launched a takeover process.
Centre Party president rules out run for Swiss government post
This content was published on
Outgoing Centre Party president Gerhard Pfister will not join the race to replace defence minister Viola Amherd in the Swiss government, the politician announced on Saturday.
Swiss block German request to deliver ammo to Ukraine
This content was published on
The SonntagsZeitung newspaper says authorities in Bern rejected the German request about Swiss-made ammunition on the basis of neutrality.
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.