Berset meets Selenski in Moldova: handshake, but there are still no tanks

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Forgive and forget? Federal President Alain Berset (51) was criticized in March for his accusations of ‘war madness’. Western states felt alienated, as did the parties in the federal parliament. And the statements would not have been well received in Kiev either.

Nevertheless, the meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (45) at the summit of the new European Political Community (EPG) in Moldova was very friendly.

Selensky campaigned again in his neighboring country for support in the defense struggle against Russia, as he clarified on the short message service Telegram: “Today we are working in Moldova. Participation in the summit of the European Political Community. Many bilateral meetings.” Develop a coalition of fighters and offer a coalition of ‘patriots’. «EU, NATO, peace formula. Anything to protect our future.”

“This should be discussed in the Bundesrat”

On the sidelines of the top, however, Federal Councilor Berset was again cautious when it came to Swiss arms deliveries. On Thursday it was announced that the Ruag armaments group had submitted an official export request for 96 Leopard 1 tanks to the State Secretariat of Economic Affairs (Seco). The tanks would benefit Ukraine.

“That must be discussed in the Federal Council,” says SP magistrate Berset. Russia’s war against Ukraine is a violation of international law, “but one cannot demand international compliance with the rules on the one hand” and then fail to comply with them yourself. But that doesn’t mean nothing can change.

47 heads of state and government invited

In addition to Selenski, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (64) and dozens of other heads of state and government are also expected at the summit in Ukraine’s neighboring country. In the plan of French President Emmanuel Macron (45), the states of the European Union want to improve cooperation with other European countries. A total of 47 heads of state and government have been invited to Moldova, but representatives of Russia and its partner country Belarus have not.

Talks in Bulboaca are likely to focus on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its consequences. From an EU point of view, the summit should send a clear signal to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin (70) that his country is now almost completely isolated in Europe. The location of the summit is only about 20 kilometers from the border with Ukraine.

The official program of the EPG summit covers security issues, energy supply and climate protection. It is also about how to reduce the still heavy dependence of European countries on Russian gas and oil.

Selenski recently traveled to the summits of the Arab League in Saudi Arabia and the G7 group of leading democratic economic powers in Japan. In Moldova, however, he is not just a guest, but a real member, as Ukraine is part of the new EPG. (SDA/dba)

Source:Blick