Russian invasion: no more Swiss armaments for Ukraine

There is still no Swiss war material for Ukraine. Germany and other countries are not allowed to forward ammunition and other armaments purchased in Switzerland. Parliament rejected a corresponding initiative on Thursday evening by 98 to 75 votes. Switzerland asserts its neutrality. According to the provisions, no country involved in acts of war may be given preferential treatment. This also applies in the event that a country like Ukraine was attacked in violation of international law. Nevertheless, the government and parliament have clearly condemned the Russian attack on the neighboring country and support the sanctions against Russia.

The “Lex Ukraine” would have allowed other states to deliver Swiss-made war material to Ukraine. The law would have been limited to 2025.

In the case of armaments deliveries, Switzerland can be contractually assured that a transfer to other countries must be approved. Appropriate applications had been submitted by Germany, Spain and Denmark. Germany wanted to supply Ukraine with Swiss ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank, Denmark with Swiss tanks and Spain with anti-aircraft guns. Everything has been rejected so far.

Committee recommended acceptance of the bill

The strongest party, the right-wing conservative SVP, voted unanimously against the move, as did the majority of the Free Democrats and the Greens. The acceptance would have meant a flagrant violation of the law of neutrality, said Green National Councilor Fabien Fivaz.

The security policy committee had previously come to the conclusion during its deliberations that Switzerland must send a foreign policy signal to support Ukraine, said supporter Thomas Rechsteiner from the party center. The committee had recommended the bill for adoption.

Proponents have been arguing for months that the refusal to transfer Swiss armaments to Ukraine indirectly benefits Russia. Others worry about the domestic arms industry. Germany has already decided to start producing the ammunition for the Gepard tank itself again.

With the vote, the neutrality discussion is not off the table. There are several attempts in Parliament to fundamentally change the War Material Act. For example, it is being discussed whether the transfer of weapons and ammunition should be allowed if the UN Security Council or two-thirds of the UN General Assembly decide that a war of aggression is in violation of international law. Also under discussion is a time limit on the ban on transferring armaments material to third countries.

“We’re on our way to losing friends”

The “Neue Zürcher Zeitung” wrote in May: “The world no longer needs a neutral Switzerland.” In a war of aggression in Europe, such as that against Ukraine, Switzerland would be better served by partially abandoning its neutrality and contributing to Europe’s security through indirect arms deliveries – which would also strengthen Europe’s freedom. “They would gain undreamt-of freedom in pursuing their interests, freed from the straitjacket of their previous foreign policy,” the newspaper wrote.

Political scientist Christoph Frei from the University of St. Gallen told the dpa in May: “We are on the way to losing friends.” He even promotes a generous Swiss contribution to NATO. After all, Switzerland benefits from the fact that NATO countries in Europe finance security. “We have to get off the high horse and accept that we too are on the way to becoming a normal European country,” he said.