Switzerland close to lifting ban on arms exports to Ukraine - media

That's according to Reuters, Ukrinform reports.

Buyers of Swiss arms are legally prevented from re-exporting them, a restriction that some representing the country's large weapons industry say is now hurting trade.

Calls from Switzerland's European neighbors to allow such transfers to Kyiv have meanwhile grown louder as Russia's assault intensifies, and parliament's two security committees recommended that the rules be eased accordingly.

However, Swiss lawmakers are divided on the issue.

"We want to be neutral, but we are part of the western world," said Thierry Burkart, leader of the center-right FDP party, who has submitted a motion to the government to allow arms re-exports to countries with similar democratic values to Switzerland.

"We shouldn't have the veto to stop others helping Ukraine. If we do that, we support Russia which is not a neutral position," Burkart said.

"Other countries want to support Ukraine and do something for the security and stability of Europe... They cannot understand why Switzerland has to say no," Burkart said.

Increasing numbers of Swiss voters agree. A survey by pollsters Sotomo published on Sunday showed 55% of respondents favor allowing weapons re-exports to Ukraine.

Burkart said he had received positive signals on a law change from other parties in the fragmented legislature.

Bern "adheres to the existing legal framework… and will deal with the proposals in due course," said a spokesman for the Department of Economic Affairs, which oversees arms-related trade issues.

Swiss neutrality regarding the non-supply of arms to belligerent countries has been in effect since 1815 and was enshrined in a 1907 treaty. The country has a separate embargo on arms sales to Ukraine and Russia.