For the second time, Switzerland has blocked the transfer of tank ammunition from Germany to Ukraine. Bern could not agree to such a shipment of Swiss-made war material if the recipient country was involved in an international conflict, Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin wrote to German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht.
“Switzerland applies the law of neutrality in the relationship between Russia and Ukraine,” Parmelin said. Berlin had previously requested in Bern the approximately 12,400 rounds of Swiss origin for the “Gepard” anti-aircraft tank for the Ukraine. In early June, Parmelin formally rejected the export for the first time, citing Swiss neutrality.
Germany reportedly contacted the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) at the beginning of April this year for an export license. The background: If a state wants to export Swiss war material to another country, it usually needs Switzerland’s permission to do so. But this is exactly what Berlin didn’t get, because SECO refused – on the basis of the War Material Ordinance – to export it to Ukraine.
Important weapon against the Russian army
The “Cheetah” tank is considered an important weapon in the fight of the Ukrainians against the Russian armed forces. Since mid-September, 30 units of the weapon system decommissioned by the German Bundeswehr have been in use in Ukraine. However, the ammunition runs out due to the high rate of fire of the anti-aircraft guns. Due to the rejection from Bern, the replenishment could now be further delayed.
The “Gepard” ammunition is newly produced in Switzerland, but also in Norway, for example. The supplement could now come from there.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
