President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Switzerland to allow the re-export of weapons to Ukraine. He said that this step would be vital in the fight against the Russian invasion.

The head of state made the appeal in a video address to both houses of the Swiss parliament on Thursday, June 15, Reuters reports. The article notes that Switzerland has long had a policy that prohibits any country that buys Swiss weapons from re-exporting them to parties to a conflict. Last November, the country also introduced a special Swiss embargo on the supply of ammunition to Russia or Ukraine.

"I know that Switzerland is discussing the export of military materials for the defence and protection of Ukraine. This would be vital. We need weapons so that we can restore peace in Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.

He also thanked Switzerland for accepting EU sanctions and called on the country to host a global peace summit.

"It is very important to show solidarity, because these sanctions will help us put an end to aggression," the President of Ukraine stressed.

"You can take the lead and bring your national experience. You can bring your know-how and organise such a peaceful summit," Zelensky called on the Swiss president.

At the same time, the newspaper writes, the Ukrainian president's speech caused tension in the Swiss parliament: the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) rejected the speech and said it violated the country's neutrality.

Later, the president himself commented on the event on Telegram.

"Now, when we are protecting the lives of our people from Russian strikes and overcoming the consequences of the terrible crimes of war, including the largest ecocide in Europe, we need maximum unity. The unity of all those who share with us the key values: the value of life, the value of freedom, the value of law and the value of respect for every nation, every community and every person. The soul of the values that unite us is peace. Ukraine has never been the source of any wars of aggression," he said.

Zelenskyy added that he had addressed the Swiss parliament to talk about this unity.

"I know that you are having a discussion about permits for the re-export of weapons to defend Ukraine. And I want every participant in the discussion to remember one fact: we are asking for weapons from the world so that our Ukrainian territory can once again be a territory of peace - all our land, all our people... Only for this purpose! Exactly as provided by international law. Our world can only withstand such Russian aggression by force of arms. And I thank the world for every piece of weapon that helps to save people from Russian terror," the Head of State said.

To recap: On June 7, 2023, the Swiss Council of Cantons, the upper house of the local parliament, passed an amendment that allows the re-export of weapons to third countries, from where they can be sent to Ukraine. Now, the Swiss National Council, the lower house of parliament, must reconsider its decision, which was voted against on June 1 this year.

It should be noted that, despite its neutral status, Switzerland is a fairly powerful arms producer in the world, including small arms, anti-aircraft systems, armoured combat vehicles, other high-tech equipment for the army, and a wide range of ammunition for systems used by NATO countries and others.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

- The Council of Cantons in Switzerland wants to allow the transfer of military materials procured in the country to other countries, provided that the destination country should not be involved in a military conflict. The validity of the country's re-export ban declarations should be limited to five years;

- Switzerland took the first step towards reselling Leopard 2 tanks to Germany. The government has supported the decommissioning of 25 of these combat vehicles for the purpose of selling them to Berlin.

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