“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.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
Precious archaeological vases and coins returned to Italian museum
This content was published on
The Italian authorities have recovered over 2,500 precious ancient coins, vases and small sculptures that had been illegally dug up and sold in Switzerland, Eurojust announced on Monday.
PrimeEnergy Cleantech declared bankrupt by Swiss authorities
This content was published on
PrimeEnergy Cleantech has been officially declared bankrupt, the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC) reported on Monday.
This content was published on
The consumption of antibiotics has risen in Switzerland since the Covid-19 pandemic. However, compared to other European countries the Alpine country has one of the lowest levels of antibiotic usage.
Swiss financial watchdog foresees greater uncertainty due to geopolitics
This content was published on
The Swiss financial sector will face greater uncertainty due to the numerous geopolitical conflicts around the world, warns the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
Swiss museums to mark centenary of death of painter Félix Vallotton
This content was published on
Swiss museums will celebrate the centenary of the death of the artist Félix Vallotton (1865-1925) next year. A major retrospective is planned in Lausanne, his birthplace, in autumn.
Russian mission installs more ‘spy’ antennas in Geneva, Swiss TV report claims
This content was published on
Russian spies are strengthening their presence in Geneva, according to a report by Swiss public television, RTS. Russian officials have placed new satellite dishes on their diplomatic buildings without authorisation.
This content was published on
Switzerland should join NATO, as in the future it cannot rely on its long-standing tradition of neutrality for its defence, John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, declared in an interview on Sunday.
This content was published on
A demonstration was held in Geneva on Sunday calling for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine. Around 50 Russians took part in the gathering outside the UN building.
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.