Foreign Affairs Yesterday, 17:494 Scholz criticizes Switzerland for vetoing ammunition supplies

On Wednesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized the Swiss government’s pretext of neutrality tradition, which is why the supply of ammunition produced in Switzerland, which Berlin would like to send to Ukraine, is blocked.

Under the pretext of the long-respected tradition of neutrality, the Swiss government is blocking Germany’s efforts to supply Ukraine with ammunition for Gepard tanks.

“We discussed this issue,” Scholtz said at a press conference in connection with the visit of Swiss President Alain Berse to Berlin.

“Because of this war going on in Europe, we all have to critically evaluate our self-image and sometimes make uncomfortable but right decisions,” added the chancellor.

In Germany, too, the tradition of not supplying weapons to countries involved in active military conflicts was followed for a long time, but Berlin has given up on it in order to help Ukraine.

“It is clear that neutrality is always a topic in Switzerland and abroad,” admitted Berce, speaking after Scholz.

“Neutrality means that Switzerland does not support either side militarily,” the Swiss president explained.

Given that Switzerland is where the Geneva Convention was signed, where UN bodies and the International Committee of the Red Cross are based, “it’s also a question of credibility,” he added.

“We joined the European Union (EU) sanctions against Russia. Switzerland also demands an end to the attacks and the withdrawal of troops from the territory of Ukraine,” Berse emphasized.

Scholz praised Switzerland for joining the EU sanctions.

“It is also good that we are in close contact with Switzerland on how we can support Ukraine financially,” he added.