Contents
A Ukrainian tells of his experiences after a year of war and asks Switzerland for indirect arms deliveries. Whether these should be done is highly controversial in the political round.
Exactly one year ago, Russian troops invaded Ukraine. According to the UN, the war of aggression, described by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “special military operation”, has already cost the lives of more than 8,000 civilians.
“It seems to me that it only happened yesterday,” said the Ukrainian Oleksandr Bondarchuk, who was in the “Arena”, about the Russian invasion. At that time, the Ukrainians did not know what was happening to them. “Today we live in war mode.” Bondarchuk lives with his wife and three children in a suburb of Kiev.
Switzerland cannot be neutral in this war
They try to have a bit of normality in life despite the war. “But an air raid could come at any minute – you have to put up with that.” Bondarchuk showed understanding for Switzerland’s traditional neutrality. But: “You cannot be neutral in this war. When it comes to survival, there is no such thing as neutrality.”
ETH strategy expert Marcel Berni said the war was deadlocked. “What is surprising: To date, there has been no major attack by the Russian air force on Ukraine.” This could be because the Ukrainian defense is very successful. “Possibly the Russian army is holding back the air force as a reserve for a further escalation level.”
Swiss ammunition sold to Germany
In order to win the war, however, Ukraine needs more arms deliveries. The 12,400 cartridges of cheetah ammunition that Germany bought from Switzerland and now wants to pass on to Ukraine are also interesting: “Every shot is a shot.”
An alliance of SP, FDP, Mitte and GLP now wants to enable such re-exports of Swiss weapons via other countries. The Security Policy Commission of the National Council presented a corresponding proposal this week.
Question of neutrality interpreted differently
A decisive factor in this was a change of opinion within the SP. Group leader Roger Nordmann in the “Arena”: “Russia is waging a war with partly genocidal intentions. That is why we must not prevent other countries from showing solidarity with Ukraine.”
In no case must we throw our neutrality overboard for the export of these few shots
“Under no circumstances should we throw our neutrality for the export of these few shots overboard,” said SVP National Councilor Roland Rino Büchel. Unilateral arms deliveries to Ukraine should be rejected. “Thanks to neutrality, we won’t get involved in wars.” Switzerland must concentrate on its role as a mediator.
He received support from Greens parliamentary group leader Aline Trede: “It annoys me that we are now only talking about weapons.” Switzerland has much stronger leverage to help Ukraine: “We are directly financing the Russian war through our commodity trading center.”
More humanitarian aid called for
In addition, Switzerland must provide more humanitarian aid. “We provide four times less humanitarian aid than Austria – and we are a much richer country.” The SVP and FDP have each rejected this in the past.
If we reject the indirect arms shipments, we will be really isolated in Europe
“It’s not true that we don’t lend a hand for humanitarian aid,” contradicted FDP National Councilor Christa Markwalder. “What the statistics also don’t show: the generous help from private individuals, aid organizations and companies.”
However, Ukraine can only defend itself if it has the right means to do so. “If we reject the indirect arms deliveries, we will be really isolated in Europe.” A corresponding relaxation of the arms export regime would ultimately also strengthen the Swiss armaments industry.