Swiss President Alain Berset stressed in an interview published Sunday that Switzerland's neutrality is now more important than ever, defending the controversial ban on sending Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine .

"Swiss weapons should not be used in wars," he told the weekly NZZ am Sonntag.

The long tradition of Swiss neutrality has been the subject of heated debate since the launch of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Although Switzerland, a non-EU member, has followed the bloc's lead in sanctions targeting Moscow, it has so far shown less flexibility on its military neutrality.

Under pressure from Kiev and its allies, Switzerland has continued to prevent countries that possess Swiss-made weapons from re-exporting them to Ukraine.

So far, requests from Germany, Spain and Denmark have been rejected under the Ordnance Act, which prohibits re-exports entirely if the recipient country is in an international armed conflict.

Bersier told NZZ am Sonntag newspaper that the policy was based on "a commitment to peace, humanitarian law and mediation where possible".

He pointed out that the role of Switzerland, as the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Geneva Conventions as well as the European headquarters of the United Nations, "is reflected in our laws, including those related to the export of arms."

He added that safeguarding humanitarian law, human rights law and the Geneva Conventions "may seem outdated to some, but it is more important than ever," warning that "it would be very dangerous to do away with these fundamental principles now."

He pointed out that "with regard to Switzerland, war is not part of the DNA of this country," stressing that his country aims to "be present wherever it can contribute to mediation and peace."

He said he believes negotiations with Russia are necessary to end the war in Ukraine "very soon".

He denounced the "war madness in certain circles" in Switzerland, amid calls to abandon neutrality.

He explained that "this does not mean indifference," referring to the "unprecedented sanctions" imposed by Switzerland on Russia.

There are several initiatives under way in Parliament in order to relax re-export rules to enable third countries to transfer weapons made in Switzerland to Ukraine.

But Berset reiterated that "the government's position is clear," adding, "It is in line with my personal position. Swiss weapons should not be used in wars."

The process towards a final decision, with discussions between parliament and the government followed by a possible referendum under Switzerland's system of direct democracy, is likely to take months.