Switzerland has delayed the supply of German weapons to Ukraine. It has blocked the re-export of Swiss-made ammunition used in Marder combat vehicles that Kyiv would like to receive, Reuters reports, citing the SonntagsZeitung.
This information came amid criticism of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his government's refusal to supply heavy weapons to Ukrainians.
Marders are produced by the German concern Rheinmetall, which uses spare parts made in Switzerland. The Swiss restrict the re-export of such military equipment to conflict zones.
The newspaper quoted the Head of the Swiss State Secretariat of Economic Affairs (SECO) who reported receiving two requests from Germany for the transfer to Ukraine of ammunition received from Switzerland.
"Both of Germany's requests were rejected with reference to Swiss neutrality and the criteria for mandatory refusal in accordance with the law on military materials", - the response was.
The Swiss joined the anti-russian sanctions and imposed the same restrictions against russian federation as the European Union.
The German media Bild wrote that Rheinmetall offered the German Armed Forces to immediately hand over combat-capable Marders to Ukraine, and then receive additional equipment from the manufacturer. However, the German Ministry of Defense opposed it. At the same time, the department did not assess the condition of the combat infantry vehicles and the need for their inspection and maintenance. Germany insists that it is better to give Ukraine old Soviet weapons instead of Marders.
According to Bild, the Ministry of Defense of Germany, at the request of the Chancellery, removed all heavy weapons from the list of requests provided by Ukraine, although German industry is ready to deliver it in the short and medium term. Of Ukraine's 15 initial requests for armament, only three were left, with some having alternatives.
Chancellor Scholz explained this decision by the fact that russia poses a threat to NATO countries, so now they are additionally arming the Baltic countries.