TSAMTO, June 2. The Swiss government vetoed Denmark's request to send Swiss-made armored personnel carriers to Ukraine, citing a policy of neutrality, which consists in refusing to supply weapons to conflict zones.
As the Swiss TV company SRF reported on June 1, citing its sources, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) a few days ago rejected Denmark's request to supply Ukraine with about 20 Piranha-3 BMP.
According to the legislation of neutral Switzerland, foreign countries buying Swiss-made weapons request permission in case of their re-export. In April, Switzerland has already vetoed the re-export of ammunition produced in Switzerland, intended for 35-mm anti-aircraft self-propelled guns (ZSU) "Cheetah-1A2", which Germany sends to Ukraine. Poland's request to transfer weapons to Ukraine was also rejected.
According to national media, Swiss neutrality is currently facing the biggest test in recent decades, as there is a debate within the country about whether to change the policy that protected Switzerland from both world wars in the 20th century.
Swiss media are wondering whether the Swiss authorities will be able to defend their position in the face of increasing pressure from abroad. Earlier, Switzerland had already partially abandoned the previous practice and joined the sanctions of the European Union against Russia.
Before the start of Russia's special operation in Ukraine, Germany also excluded the export of weapons to warring countries. However, the Green Party in this case abandoned this policy. Last week, German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said during the World Economic Forum in Davos that he expects Switzerland to "provide maximum support" to Ukraine. Germany intends to re-send a request for the supply of ammunition. If it is approved, Denmark may also request a review of the decision.
In such a situation, there is talk in Swiss political circles about the application of various interpretations of the law on the sale of PVN. So, a number of politicians say that we are not talking about direct arms exports, but about weapons that Switzerland has already sold to friendly countries. Thus, Switzerland may well allow its re-export to a country that is "defending itself from the aggressor."
The Federal Council is expected to consider the issue of arms export policy in the near future.
