The Federal Council does not want Swiss ammunition bought by Germany to be delivered to Ukraine. Economic Affairs Minister Guy Parmelin (61) informed the German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (57) about this on behalf of the state government.
On October 21, they asked Germany to pass about 12,400 rounds of Swiss-origin 35mm ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank. For such re-exports, purchasers of Swiss war material require the approval of the Federal Council.
Neutrality prohibits disclosure
He doesn’t admit this. On behalf of the Federal Council, Parmelin reiterated the legal situation in the reply letter, as he had already explained in a letter dated June 3, 2022: Due to the principle of equal treatment under the neutrality law, Switzerland cannot agree to a request for war material of Swiss origin to Ukraine must be passed on until this happens, the Federal Council announces that it is involved in an international armed conflict.
In addition, the approval criteria of the Swiss War Material Act excluded the supply of war material to countries involved in an international armed conflict.
Switzerland gives 100 million francs for winter aid
As the legal situation has not changed, it is still not possible for Germany to agree to the transfer of Swiss war material to Ukraine.
However, Parmelin pointed out that Switzerland is involved differently: on November 2, the Federal Council decided on the winter aid action plan to support the people of Ukraine. With this, Switzerland is making CHF 100 million available in addition to its existing humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and the region. (sf)