These tanks were supposed to become the property of the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. It was planned that they would be repaired and sent to Ukraine. The Swiss government blocked the sale as it would allegedly “violate Switzerland’s status as a neutral country.”

What the hell is the point of buying arms from a country if they cannot be used when needed? I hope every NATO country takes note of this and cuts Switzerland out of their arms dealer list.

Addendum: Re-export agreements are standard, but what isn't standard is to deny them in situations like this. It's clear Switzerland doesn't give a shit about the countries around them.

[–] LordR@kbin.social 6 points 2 years ago

That law actually came into existence because Swiss weapons were in lots of civil wars and conflicts. I guess now it is too strict.

On the other hand I will be happy if the Swiss arms industry dies, there are better ways to earn money.

I'm just sad that it is happening on the backs of the Ukrainians...

[–] rogerhaase@mastodon.social 4 points 2 years ago

@BombOmOm @lesserprophet As Switzerland is so "neutral" towards Ukraine they should sell their arms exclusively to themselves.