Ginebra.- The Swiss Federal Council on Wednesday rejected the request for the delivery of 96 Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine through the Ruag company, whose sole shareholder is the Swiss Confederation.
The Swiss Executive has rejected the sale of these battle tanks, which are not being used at the moment and which remain stationed in Italy.
Before their final arrival in Ukraine, the vehicles would have to have been reconditioned in Germany.
Switzerland’s policy of neutrality has prevented the sale of weapons from this country to Ukraine or Russia since the war between the two countries began in February 2022.
The Federal Council announced today, on the other hand, that it will extend its sanctions against Russia, in line with the last round of punishments adopted by the European Union (EU) on June 23.
The new sanctions will affect 71 people and 33 companies and financial entities, linked to the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, the Russian armed forces or the Wagner mercenary group.
The latest regulations, which will enter into force this afternoon, will freeze the assets of those affected and prevent their entry and transit in Switzerland.
In the same way, Switzerland will also sanction five Moldovan politicians and businessmen, accused of having tried to undermine the sovereignty and independence of Moldova.
