Weapons Re-export to Ukraine: France Negotiates with Switzerland
French authorities are negotiating with their Swiss counterparts to re-export Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron stated this, according to Ukrinform news agency. He made this statement during a visit to Switzerland.
Macron noted that he respects Switzerland's neutral status and, at the same time, its clear diplomatic position in support of Ukraine. "As for the ongoing negotiations, we are not talking about exports, but rather re-exports, and France is open to such cooperation," the French President said.
French President Emmanuel Macron.
Photo credits: French media
This was his answer to questions from journalists at a joint press conference with Swiss President Alain Berset in Bern. Macron voiced an optimistic outlook for the talks. According to the French President, they will allow for a combination of Switzerland's neutrality and its ability to re-export weapons.
"It (support for Ukraine - Ed.) should not weaken, despite other conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. As we have long recognized, Russia must not win this war," the French President emphasized. It is worth recalling that, despite requests from Kyiv and its allies, Switzerland has so far refused to allow countries that own Swiss-made weapons to re-export them to Ukraine.
In particular, in June 2023, Swiss lawmakers rejected a bill that would have allowed third countries to transfer Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine. Thus, the majority of deputies in the Lower Chamber, the National Council, voted against the parliamentary initiative.
Leopard 1A5 tank. Photo from the open sources
That same month, the Federal Council rejected a request from Ruag AG to export 96 Leopard 1 A5 tanks as it was inconsistent with applicable law.
The tanks are currently in storage in Italy and are in a state of disrepair.
The tanks were planned to be transported to Germany for refurbishment and then transferred to Ukraine as military aid.
Switzerland bans the re-export of its weapons to countries at war, but the issue of the country's long-standing tradition of neutrality has been discussed since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.