The Swiss Senate (the upper house of the parliament) approved an amendment to the law on military materials. This can unblock the re-export of weapons to third countries, in particular to Ukraine.

 This was reported by the Swiss Parliament.

 "The cantonal council wants to allow other countries to transfer military equipment bought in Switzerland under certain conditions. The council has adopted a corresponding parliamentary initiative from the Security Policy Commission. A legislative project based on another initiative is already at the development stage," the statement said. .

 The amendment to the law was supported by 22 votes, 17 deputies spoke against it, four more abstained.

 The Swiss Senate proposes that the arms embargo treaty be limited to 5 years. It is also a condition that the country that wants to transfer Swiss-made weapons should not be a party to the conflict, violate human rights and not exercise its right to self-defense.

 We should add that the decision on the re-export of weapons has not been finalized, now the lower house of the Swiss parliament must vote for this initiative.

 Why Switzerland blocks the supply of weapons to Ukraine

 It is worth noting that Switzerland has followed a policy of neutrality since 1815. Bern does not supply its weapons for warfare, does not provide other military assistance, and does not allow the re-export of its weapons to third countries. This also applies to the war in Ukraine.

 Since February 2022, Switzerland has only provided financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. In May 2023, Bern took a step towards supplying Ukraine with weapons. However, amendments to the law on military equipment were blocked in the lower house of parliament.