Switzerland remains committed to maintaining its neutral status and has declined the opportunity to re-export the Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine. Specifically, 96 Leopard 1A5 tanks, owned by the Swiss company Ruag AG and currently held in storage in Italy.
These particular tanks were intended to be included in a support package from the Netherlands and Germany, with plans for their refurbishment at the Rheinmetall factory, which would have facilitated their purchase from Ruag AG.
Read more: Switzerland Decommissions 25 Leopard 2 Tanks, They Will Either Help Ukraine or Travel to Czechia
Switzerland has blocked the assistance despite the involvement of not only private companies but also the expressed intentions of two EU member states’ governments to support Ukraine. The Swiss government’s decision to refuse this aid cites a contradiction with existing legislation and the need for a potential revision of their neutrality policy.
It should be noted that currently only one chamber of the Swiss Parliament, the Council of States, has granted permission for the re-export of weapons. However, it does not mean that the permit has been finalized. Both chambers of the Swiss Parliament hold equal authority. In addition to the decision of the Council of States, a similar decision must also be reached by the National Council, which previously voted against another but essentially similar draft law unofficially referred to as Lex Ukraine.
This is not the first instance of Switzerland blocking the re-export of weapons to Ukraine. Such actions can certainly be frustrating for Berlin, which has encountered Switzerland’s position regarding ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft systems. Ultimately, the situation was resolved by Rheinmetall taking up their production.
While each country has the right to choose its own path and uphold neutrality, Switzerland’s position sends a strong message to the rest of the world. It indicates that relying on Swiss weapons may not be an option, as the country may refuse to provide necessary ammunition when it truly matters.
Read more: The Netherlands Makes Its Valuable Contribution Into Ukraine’s Air Defense With VERA-EG Radars and Training of Ukrainian F-16 Pilots
