Her government Switzerland intends to fund a quarter of the required lifting operations minefields and neutralizing explosives in Ukrainesaid yesterday Friday (29/9) the Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs Ignacio Cassis.
Switzerland, abiding by its law of neutrality after Russia’s military invasion of Ukrainian territory on February 24, 2022, has not supplied arms to Kievunlike many other European countries.
However, its government says it plans to provide $100 million of the $400 million that Ukrainian authorities estimate will be needed to clear minefields and defuse explosives on its territory.
However, demining operations will only be able to begin after hostilities have ended, and the undertaking will take several years, according to Hansgerg Eberle, director of the Foundation for Mine Action (FSD).
The Swiss government has been criticized for insisting on a neutral stance, which has also sparked debate at home. In addition to not supplying Ukraine with arms, Switzerland is also preventing weapons and ammunition purchased from other countries from being handed over to Kiev forces.
However, “in the field of humanitarian demining (we will) be generous”, assured Mr. Cassis, recalling that the granting of “military aid is excluded due to the neutrality” of the country.
According to the head of Swiss diplomacy, the US has already pledged to provide half of the $400 million it estimates Ukraine will need.
The amount to be allocated by Switzerland is expected to be used from 2024 to 2027. However, the decision is subject to approval by the Swiss parliament, as it is a budgetary issue.
Swiss authorities have helped train minesweepers and explosives disposal experts in Ukraine with 15.2 million francs (15.7 million euros) in 2022 and 2023.
The removal of minefields is a necessary condition for reconstruction, the Swiss Foreign Minister underlined. The territory of Ukraine estimated to be mined is four times the size of Switzerland, according to Mr Kassis.
Source: News Beast
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