No transfer of Swiss war material: National Council says no to “Lex Ukraine”

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Bad news for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (45): Swiss weapons are still not allowed to be delivered to Ukraine. Not even indirectly for now. The country, which was invaded by Russia last year, relies on weapons from the West for its defense.

The decision in the National Council was hotly contested: a motion by the Security Policy Committee of the National Council, seeking to accommodate Ukraine, was defeated by 98 votes to 75 with two abstentions.

Customized solution

The parliamentary initiative demanded that Switzerland waive the non-re-export declaration if “the war material is re-exported to Ukraine in connection with the Russo-Ukrainian war”. For example, Germany could pass on ammunition from cheetah tanks to Ukraine. Or Denmark could provide armored personnel carriers with Piranha wheels.

A tailor-made solution only for Ukraine. No wonder there is talk of a «Lex Ukraine». The amendment to the War Materials Act should have entered into force immediately and would initially be limited to the end of 2025, according to the Commission’s idea.

More support for Ukraine

Central National Councilor Thomas Rechsteiner (51, AI) unsuccessfully explained the position of the Commission’s majority – which was extremely narrow by 13 to 12 votes. He believes that Switzerland should support Ukraine more and thus make its contribution to European security. The initiative is also in line with the neutrality law, as it does not concern direct arms exports to conflict zones, but only non-re-export declarations from the countries that purchase Swiss war material.

“Ukraine is clearly the victim of such an aggression that violates international law,” emphasizes GLP National Councilor François Pointet (53, VD).

Opponents see neutrality violated

The minority in the committee, represented by Green National Councilor Fabien Fivaz (45, NE), finds the re-export of Swiss war material to Ukraine problematic in terms of neutrality. A “Lex Ukraine” violates the principle of equal treatment provided for in the law of neutrality.

FDP group leader Damien Cottier (48, NE) emphasized that his party wants to weaken the re-export clause, but “without violating the principle of neutrality”. Instead of just mentioning Ukraine, a more general version is needed for when a country defends itself in a war of aggression.

But even if the result were a no in the National Council, the issue of re-exports is not off the table. Further advances are still pending, which want to attach conditions to a re-export.

No direct arms deliveries

Since the beginning of the war, Swiss politicians have had a hard time supporting Ukraine with arms. Direct deliveries to Kiev are no problem anyway. But Parliament also failed to agree on indirect supplies. Several attempts have already failed.

In March, the National Council decided that other countries could supply Swiss arms to Ukraine. But only if the United Nations Security Council declares a war of aggression in violation of international law. So Russia can veto it at any time. A farce.

Switzerland is under increasing international pressure. US media criticized them as a “stumbling block” to Western support for Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (64) stated that he was not concerned with neutrality: “It is about respecting the right of self-defence, protecting the rule of law and defending the UN Charter.” EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (64) took the same stance.

The pressure is now so great that the Bundesrat has already given in. Last week he gave the go-ahead for the delivery of 25 Leopard tanks to Germany – a reversal.

Source:Blick