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Switzerland vetoed Denmark’s request to send armored vehicles to Ukraine

The Swiss flag is displayed at the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus) in Bern, Switzerland, December 7, 2018. REUTERS / Denis Balibouse

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ZURICH, June 1 (Reuters) – The Swiss government vetoed Denmark’s request to send Swiss armored personnel carriers to Ukraine, citing its policy of neutrality not to supply weapons to conflict zones.

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) has rejected Denmark’s offer to provide combat vehicles to Ukraine’s Piranha III infantry, he said, confirming a report by SRF.

Neutral Switzerland requires foreign countries that buy Swiss weapons to seek permission to re-export them.

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In April, it vetoed the re-export of Swiss ammunition used in anti-aircraft tanks sent by Germany to Ukraine. read more He also rejected Poland’s request for weapons in aid of neighboring Ukraine. Read more

Switzerland has parted ways and adopted European Union sanctions aimed at punishing Russia for invading Ukraine, an invasion that Moscow describes as a special military operation to disarm and “denationalize” Ukraine.

But Swiss neutrality is facing its biggest test in decades as internal debate rages over how to interpret policies that protect Switzerland from two world wars in the 20th century. Read more

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Report by Michael Shields Edited by Toby Chopra and Mark Potter

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