Analysis-Neutral Switzerland leans closer to NATO in response to Russia

Paelvi Pulli, head of security policy at the Swiss Defence Ministry attends an interview with Reuters in Bern, Switzerland May 4, 2022. Picture taken May 4, 2022. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

BERN (Reuters) - Switzerland's fabled neutral status is about to face its biggest test in decades, with the defence ministry tilting closer to Western military powers in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The defence ministry is drawing up a report on security options that include joint military exercises with NATO countries and "backfilling" munitions, Paelvi Pulli, head of security policy at the Swiss defence ministry told Reuters.