Switzerland’s President Alain Berset has announced that Swiss-made weapons will not be re-exported to Ukraine, citing the country’s longstanding neutrality and opposition to the use of Swiss weapons in wars.
Diplomats from Germany, France, and the Netherlands have been lobbying Switzerland to allow them to send stocks of Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine, but Swiss laws currently prohibit the export of weapons to active war zones without government approval. While some Swiss politicians have called for a change in the country’s stance, including modifying the Federal Act on War Materiel or creating a “Lex Ukraine” for a one-off transfer of material, Berset has dismissed these calls and stressed the importance of neutrality and pacifism in Swiss politics.
International Arms Support to Ukraine
According to a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, at least 25 countries supplied military arms to Ukraine between 2014 and 2020, including the US, Canada, France, and Poland. The total value of arms transfers to Ukraine is estimated to be over $2.7 billion, with the majority of arms comprising small arms, artillery systems, and armoured vehicles. The US has been the largest supplier of arms, providing over $2 billion worth of weaponry and equipment, while Canada has supplied over $70 million worth of equipment. Other significant suppliers include Poland, which has provided $30 million worth of arms, and Lithuania, which has supplied $24 million worth of weapons.
Implications of the Swiss Decision
Switzerland’s decision not to re-export weapons to Ukraine may have limited practical implications for Ukraine’s war effort, as other countries continue to provide arms support. However, the decision underscores the political and diplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict, and the challenges of balancing neutrality with humanitarian concerns. The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and separatist rebels began an insurgency in eastern Ukraine. The conflict has claimed over 13,000 lives and displaced over 1.5 million people. The situation has been further complicated by the recent military build-up by Russia near the Ukrainian border, sparking fears of a wider conflict.
Conclusion
Switzerland’s decision not to re-export weapons to Ukraine highlights the complex political and diplomatic challenges surrounding the ongoing conflict, and the difficulties of balancing neutrality with humanitarian concerns. While other countries continue to provide arms support, the Swiss decision underscores the importance of diplomatic solutions and peaceful conflict resolution. The conflict in Ukraine remains a volatile and dangerous situation, and efforts must be made to prevent further escalation and protect the lives and rights of all those affected.
