The Swiss parliament has voted against a law that would allow third countries to transfer Swiss-produced weapons to Ukraine. On Thursday, the National Council in Bern voted 98 to 75 against the draft law known as “Lex Ukraine”. Meanwhile, there are again nightly air raids by the Russians, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his concern and called for further military aid at the EU summit in Moldova (see video above).
In view of the Russian invasion, a discussion flared up about Switzerland’s traditional strict neutrality. Despite intense pressure from Kiev and its supporters, Switzerland continues to refuse countries that possess Swiss-made weapons to export them to Ukraine. Applications from Germany, Spain and Denmark were rejected under the Swiss War Material Act, which prohibits arms shipments to war zones.
exceptions excluded
The Swiss Federal Council could only exceptionally authorize the re-export of Swiss-manufactured weapons if the UN Security Council had condemned Russia’s offensive war in Ukraine. Since Russia has veto power in the UN Security Council, this scenario is ruled out.
At the European Solidarity Summit in Moldova on Thursday, Zelenskyj had called for further arms aid. Thursday’s meeting with heads of state and government was maximized to mobilize aid for Ukraine and advance the defeat of Russia’s “terrorists”, Zelenskyy said in his evening video message, following the new summit. only called European Political Community (EPG) in October.
Further military aid promised
The time is near when Russia will be held accountable for its killings, he said. Zelenskyy met with several heads of state and government in Moldova, who pledged further assistance to Ukraine, which had been attacked by Russia. “We are preparing new decisions for the defense of Ukraine, including anti-aircraft fire, fighter jets and our advance on the ground,” he said. Preparations are also underway for a package of security guarantees on the way to NATO and a peace summit to implement Kiev’s proposals for ending the war. A core requirement of Zelenskyj’s peace plan revolves around the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. Russia rejects that.
Meanwhile, Russian forces attacked the Ukrainian capital from the air again on Friday evening, and Ukrainian authorities reported waves of attacks on Kiev. “There are explosions in the city. The anti-aircraft defenses are working,” Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said in a statement. Minutes later, he added: “More explosions in the city.” Ukraine has been airstrikes because of Russian missile strikes.
“Bunkers should not be locked!”
Zelenskyi had previously emphasized in his evening video speech on Thursday that Ukraine, in addition to military aid from abroad, must do more itself for the safety of its citizens. He reiterated the requirement that sufficient bunkers must be accessible everywhere. “The situation, like last night in Kiev, when people came to the bunker and it was locked, must not happen again,” he stressed. It is the task of the municipalities to ensure that the shelters are open 24 hours a day.
In Kiev, mayor Vitali Klitschko ordered the opening and inspection after a breakdown on Thursday. “It hurts to see negligence in these commitments. It hurts to see the dead,” Zelensky said. Those responsible must be held accountable. Three people have been killed in new Russian missile strikes, including a nine-year-old child, according to Kiev authorities. Zelensky accused Russia of continuing its “terror” on International Children’s Day.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
