Macron announced negotiations with Switzerland regarding the re-export of weapons to Ukraine

France is counting on the success of the negotiations regarding the re-export of weapons to Ukraine, respecting the neutral status of the Swiss Confederation. As reported the correspondent of Ukrinform, French President Emmanuel Macron stated this during his visit to Switzerland.

French President Emmanuel Macron

"I respect Switzerland's neutral status and, at the same time, its clear diplomatic position of supporting Ukraine. As for the debate that exists, it is not about exports, but re-exports, and France is open to such cooperation," Macron said, answering questions from journalists at a joint press conference with the participation of Swiss President Alain Berse in Bern.

He noted that he was optimistic about the ongoing negotiations that would combine Switzerland's neutrality and its ability to re-export at the same time.

According to him, our joint support for Ukraine is a necessity and a geopolitical principle. "It should not weaken, despite other conflicts, in particular in the Middle East. As we recognized a long time ago, Russia should not win this war," the French president emphasized.

Macron also expressed hope that Switzerland will intensify its cooperation with NATO in the field of defense.

"I believe in European sovereignty. We cannot talk about Europe or respond to its challenges if we allow it to depend on others," Macron emphasized during a meeting with students at the University of Lausanne, which took place at the end of the visit.

As reported, in June 2023, Switzerland failed to pass a law on the re-export of weapons to Ukraine. Switzerland's lower house of parliament, the National Council, rejected a bill known as "Lex Ukraine" that would have allowed third countries to transfer Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine.

Currently, the Swiss Federal Council can allow the re-export of weapons produced in the country only in exceptional cases, for example, if the UN Security Council condemns Russia's war against Ukraine. However, this option is excluded, since the Russian Federation has the right of veto in the UN Security Council.

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