WARSAW, Poland — A Polish defense contractor has categorically rejected any allegations of legal violations regarding its shipment of Swiss-manufactured ammunition to Ukraine. This follows the Swiss government’s decision to impose export restrictions on the company due to concerns that a sizable quantity of the ammunition might be used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Last week, Swiss authorities announced that they would prohibit exports to UMO, a Polish military equipment supplier, after determining that approximately 645,000 rounds of small-caliber ammunition produced in Switzerland had been sent to Ukraine.
The matter is particularly delicate as Swiss laws regarding neutrality and military exports strictly prohibit the sale or transfer of Swiss-owned or -produced military equipment to nations engaged in conflict. In contrast, Poland has emerged as a leading ally for Ukraine, actively providing military support to bolster its defenses against Russia’s aggression.
UMO, which focuses on supplying military and law enforcement equipment, stated that it procured the ammunition in 2023 from a Swiss manufacturer, SwissP Defence, and that its subsequent export to Ukraine was executed “in accordance with Polish law.”
The company further contended that it complied with Swiss laws, arguing that the “Swiss government relinquished oversight of the goods to Polish law.”
“The claims suggesting that UMO has violated any legal provisions through the export of ammunition acquired from SWISS P Defence AG to Ukraine are false,” UMO asserted in a statement sent via email.
Fabian Maienfisch, a representative from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), indicated that UMO had failed to uphold its contractual commitments with the Swiss manufacturer and that the ammunition had ultimately reached Ukraine.
According to Maienfisch, the investigation revealed that UMO and the Swiss manufacturer had a reseller agreement that limited the Polish firm to selling the ammunition solely within Poland.
Currently, export requests from UMO for general resale have been denied due to a perceived high risk of the ammunition being diverted to Ukraine. Nevertheless, the company is permitted to act as an intermediary for Polish state agencies, as clarified in the statement.
In response to these allegations, UMO has firmly maintained that it operates strictly within the legal boundaries and adheres to the terms agreed upon with its partners.
On its website and in an emailed statement, UMO declared its commitment to supporting Ukraine, expressing pride in its contribution to enhancing the country’s defense and freedom.