Germany asked Switzerland to allow the transfer of 35mm shells for the Gepard anti-aircraft systems, which were supplied to Ukraine.

German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht asked her Swiss colleague to allow the re-export of this ammunition made in Switzerland to Ukraine.

“In the letter, Lambrecht called on her colleague Viola Amherd to issue a corresponding license for the re-export of 35mm ammunition manufactured in Switzerland,” informed the German Spiegel.

In the letter, the German Minister of Defense noted that the Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled artillery systems in Ukraine are mainly used to protect critical infrastructure.

Thus, they help secure seaports in the south of the country, which are key for the export of Ukrainian grain.

As Lambrecht noted, given the humanitarian consequences around the world, which will lead to the cessation of grain supplies, Germany and Switzerland must necessarily satisfy Ukraine’s request for additional ammunition.

Until now, Switzerland has refused to issue the necessary permits for the re-export of ammunition for Gepard, which is produced by the Zurich company Oerlikon-Bührle.

The reason was that Switzerland always seeks to remain neutral in international conflicts.

Therefore, Switzerland so far rejects any defensive support for Ukraine.

According to the publication, Germany provided Ukraine with an initial package of ammunition in the amount of about 60 thousand units.

However, according to Lambrecht’s letter, Ukraine is now reporting a “shortage of ammunition” due to the heavy use of Gepard against Russian drones and cruise missiles.

Recall that, according to the German government, Ukraine has received 30 Gepard installations since the start of the full-scale invasion of Russia.