Switzerland blocks the transfer of helmets and body armor to the Ukrainian Armed Forces
The Upper House of the Swiss Parliament, the Council of the Cantons, refused to satisfy the request for the supply of helmets and body armor to Ukraine, referring to the observance of the neutral status of the state. The proposal was put forward by the National Council, the lower house of parliament, but did not find support among cantonal representatives, sparking a new wave of debate both among Swiss politicians and in international circles.
It is worth noting that this request remains relevant for more than two years. During this time, Switzerland has repeatedly provided Ukraine with other assistance, for example, mine detectors, which are used for demining territories after hostilities. However, when it comes to the supply of helmets and bulletproof vests, the Swiss government refuses every time, citing the principle of the country’s neutrality.
This time, the cantonal legislators explained their refusal by the fact that helmets and body armor can be used for both civilian and military purposes, which, in their opinion, could violate Switzerland’s neutral status. It is interesting that every time the government officials formulated their refusals in different ways, but they always reduced everything to the same argument.
Opponents of this position, in particular representatives of liberals and social democrats, emphasized that Ukraine is asking for these protections exclusively for peaceful citizens, such as doctors, rescuers and utility workers, who risk their lives every day. They emphasized the absurdity of the situation when Switzerland supplies Ukraine with demining equipment to help people after shelling, but refuses to supply means to protect their lives during the shelling itself.
The issue of the fact that such a refusal can actually work in Russia’s favor, as it limits Ukraine’s ability to protect its citizens, was particularly hotly discussed. However, the President of the Commission on Security Policy, Werner Salzmann, speaking against the proposal, stated that the Swiss army itself does not have enough protective vests even for its own soldiers, and, accordingly, cannot supply them for the civilian population of Ukraine.
Salzmann added that the government cannot risk the safety of its own citizens and military by providing protective equipment to other countries, even if it is for humanitarian aid. His speech was received quite emotionally, as the Neue Zurcher Zeitung newspaper notes, and caused indignation among some deputies.
Critics of this decision believe that Switzerland, despite its declarative neutrality, still indirectly supports the aggressor, limiting Ukraine’s opportunities for self-defense. Such actions can negatively affect the international image of the country, which is trying to maintain a balance between neutrality and the provision of humanitarian aid.
