The Austrian foreign minister expects the war in Ukraine to last longer and have further global repercussions. “This is not a conflict that will be over soon,” said Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP). There is also the real danger of a nuclear escalation, it is greater than before. Regarding the impending shortage of gas supplies – a “pure attempt at blackmail” – he explained that they were prepared for all eventualities. Also in terms of inflation and rising prices, they have shown themselves to be “more flexible and resilient” than originally thought. The EU must be particularly careful not to become part of the conflict.
Regarding the UN General Assembly next week, Schallenberg also stressed the need to “find room for diplomacy” in Saturday’s Ö1-Mittagsjournal. In his opinion, it would not be difficult for Putin to end the war, because he does not have to answer to the public. “He can declare tomorrow that he has achieved his war goals.”
“Don’t give in to a blackmailer”
The 53-year-old criticized Putin’s “blackmail attempts” regarding the shortage of gas supplies. The Kremlin boss recently made a clear link between sanctions and gas supplies. “If you give in to a blackmailer, he will try again,” the foreign minister warned against “naive wishful thinking” that is not a good basis for politics.
“Didn’t expect Russia to immediately change its position”
With regard to sanctions against Russia, Schallenberg argued for maintaining “a sense of proportion”. The people of Russia should not be equated with Putin’s henchmen. That is why Austria has spoken out against a visa ban for Russians. The EU has decided on its largest sanctions package to date against Russia, and it is now time for the sanctions to enter into force. Schallenberg called for “strategic patience”, adding: “We did not expect Russia to change its position immediately.”
Image: Sanctions imposed on Russia in August 2022
“Have shown us more flexibility”
The foreign minister admitted that the conflict in Ukraine also has very painful consequences for the local population, for example in the form of inflation and price increases. However, he recalled the beginning of the corona pandemic, when more dramatic consequences were expected. “But we have shown that we are more flexible and resilient than we thought,” said the minister.
As for the recent successes of Ukrainian forces in the northeast of the country, he said the tide has turned since July. However, the situation may soon change again. Both sides were currently looking for a decision on the battlefield.
Source: Krone
I’m an experienced news author and editor based in New York City. I specialize in covering healthcare news stories for Today Times Live, helping to keep readers informed on the latest developments related to the industry. I have a deep understanding of medical topics, including emerging treatments and drugs, the changing laws that regulate healthcare providers, and other matters that affect public health.
