Switzerland has “blocked” the shipment of anti-aircraft weapons of Swiss origin from Spain to Ukraine, wanting to maintain the status of its military neutrality. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) “rejected the request submitted by Spain on January 16, 2023, regarding the re-export to Ukraine of two 35 mm anti-aircraft guns,” a spokesman, Fabian Magenfis, told AFP.

In recent months, Switzerland has also responded negatively to the requests of Germany and Denmark, which want to send military equipment to Kyiv. In contracts for the purchase of such material, the countries sign an agreement with Switzerland that prohibits the re-export of weapons to other countries. According to Swiss law, the government must refuse the export of military equipment if the destination country is involved in an armed conflict, such as Ukraine with Russia. Spain’s request was examined, as were those of Germany and Denmark, taking into account the same criteria. “Switzerland, therefore, responded in the negative” citing its neutrality and the law on the export of military material, the spokesman added.

The debate over Switzerland’s neutrality has been rekindled after the government decided to adopt all EU sanctions on Russia following the latter’s invasion of Ukraine about a year ago. Several proposals have been tabled in Parliament to ease restrictions on the re-export of military equipment, but no decision is expected for many months.