Switzerland still does not allow military material manufactured there to go to Ukraine. Commentators consider it a “cold toothpaste smile”.
Bern – The neutrality debate in Switzerland has been smoldering ever since the Ukraine war. While the non-EU country supports sanctions against Russia, it has so far been adamant about its military impartiality.
The Swiss National Council has now voted by a slim majority to allow the delivery of arms from Switzerland to Kiev – but under very unrealistic conditions. The grand chamber of parliament voted on Wednesday (March 8) to allow the Federal Council to exceptionally approve re-exports.
However, this step presupposes a condemnation of the Russian attack in Ukraine by the UN Security Council. Since Russia, with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, has a veto right in the UN Security Council, this scenario is out of the question.
Neutral Switzerland in Ukraine war at odds with Germany over Leopard 2 tanks
During the parliamentary debate, the Swiss government also recalled that according to the current legal situation, which requires equal treatment for all warring parties, requests for the supply of war material to Russia would also have to be approved if exports were to be permitted.
The traffic light coalition with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) had asked Bern to buy back mothballed Leopard tanks. This is intended to replace tanks that are being delivered to Ukraine. To do this, Parliament would have to officially “decommission” them, but there is no sign of approval on this issue.
Media echo in Switzerland on ammunition decision: “Cold toothpaste smile”
The conservative The New Zurich Times (NZZ) commented on the decision on Thursday (March 8) as follows: “Anyone who wants to consistently position Switzerland as part of the free world must take a step forward. Of course, giving up neutrality and joining NATO are out of the question,” and further: “The circular discussion about Swiss war material is damaging Switzerland’s reputation and its role as a neutral country. A progressive neutrality is probably not yet capable of winning a majority, but it is the counter-model to the neutral standstill.”
The one also published in Zurich Tages-Anzeiger meanwhile said: “It is becoming increasingly clear that those attacked in the Ukraine have nothing to hope for from Switzerland and the Russian aggressors have nothing to fear. Instead, we will dutifully offer our good offices to both sides. Neutrality is showing its cold toothpaste smile again.” (AFP/dpa/frs)
