Current events in Ukraine
Switzerland is blocking the supply of Ukrainian-made weapons from Spain, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced during a meeting with ambassadors in Madrid. The minister said that Switzerland does not authorize deliveries of certain military materials, the re-export of which requires a guarantee from the producing country.
“We understand, respect and accept neutrality, but we need Switzerland’s permission, which it is not currently giving us,” Robles said. He added that he will turn to the Spanish embassy in Switzerland with a request for help in obtaining such a permit
The minister announced the sending of military aid to Ukraine and assured that Spain will continue to do so to help Ukraine defend itself against the unjust, illegal and cruel invasion by Russia. He noted that since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, Spain has been accepting refugees from Ukraine, as well as treating and training Ukrainian soldiers.
The war in Ukraine has shown that “we live in a situation of absolute vulnerability”, admitted the minister. He expressed his belief that Spain should continue to increase defense spending given the tense global security situation.
Switzerland has supported European Union (EU) sanctions against Russia, but insists that its constitutionally mandated neutral status prevents it from delivering weapons to the conflict zone and treating wounded Ukrainian soldiers.
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