Switzerland launches an investigation against RUAG, which had an intention to sell Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine through Germany.

  • BombOmOm@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    26
    arrow-down
    6
    ·
    edit-2
    1 year ago

    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
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      7
      ·
      1 year 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…

  • NOT_RICK@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    11
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    Switzerland speedrunning the death of their arms industry.

    Switzerland, you can’t be neutral on a moving train

  • awwwyissss@lemm.ee
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    8
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    Typical outcome for Switzerland when they can choose between democracy or dollars.

      • awwwyissss@lemm.ee
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        9
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        They decided to maintain positive relations with the Kremlin so they can continue managing their money.

        • LordR@kbin.social
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          7
          ·
          1 year ago

          The stupid thing is that Switzerland is already on Russia’s naughty list. It’s just the idiot right wing party (I wouldn’t be surprised if they had connections to Rusdia) and the green party (because pacifism that clearly doesn’t work here).