Neutral Switzerland has blocked the supply of ammunition to Gepard in Ukraine
Neutral Switzerland has vetoed Germany's re-export of Swiss-made ammunition used in the Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled gun to Ukraine.
This was reported by Swissinfo.
"The Swiss government confirmed yesterday that it has vetoed the re-export of Swiss-made ammunition used in the Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, which is intended to directly cover ground forces. Germany plans to supply this equipment to Ukraine," the statement said.
In refusing, Switzerland referred to its policy of neutrality, which prohibits it from sending military equipment to the conflict zone. This came after Berlin announced on Tuesday that it would send heavy weapons, including 50 Gepard systems, to Ukraine to help it resist russia's invasion.
Earlier in the weekend, there were reports that Switzerland had vetoed Germany's request to re-export ammunition, but at the time it was not known what ammunition was involved. According to Swissinfo, the Swiss Secretariat of State for Economic Affairs (SECO) has received two requests from Germany to approve the shipment of ammunition to Ukraine. Among them were 35-mm Gepard ammunition, as well as 12.7-mm ammunition. These munitions were manufactured by Oerlikon-Bührle, an industrial company of the Swiss military-industrial complex based in Switzerland and owned by the German holding Rheinmetall.
"Both of Germany's inquiries about whether ammunition from Switzerland could be transferred to Ukraine were answered in the negative by Bern, citing Swiss neutrality and mandatory criteria under Swiss legislation on the supply of military supplies and dual-use items," SECO said in a statement.
Reports on the possible supply of Gepard systems have been reported for several days. The KraussMaffei Wegmann plant announced back in February that they still have about 50 in their own warehouse, which can be handed over to the Armed Forces after minor repairs.
Gepard tanks are equipped with two 35-mm guns and radar.
On Tuesday, it became known that Germany will provide Ukraine with 50 units of self-propelled anti-aircraft guns Gepard.
