Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP)’s daring “solidarity visit” to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which is not only risky for life and limb, threatens neutrality, critics say. “Austria is neutral, but not when it comes to naming crimes,” the chancellor told Zelenskyy on Saturday.
The loudest in Kiev is the silence. It’s raining and hardly anyone is on the streets when the special train pulls into Kiev South Station shortly before noon. The convoy will take us to the Presidential Palace, where Chancellor Nehammer will meet Ukrainian President Zelensky for a historic visit.
“Watch out, mines!”
At the entrance gate of the palace hangs a banner: “Beware, mines!” Has the area actually been mined? A guard shrugs. Rather, it serves as a warning not to approach the palace uninvited, which is protected by anti-tank traps and towering sandbags.
Ukraine believes in victory, thanks Austria for help
The conversation lasted 45 minutes. Despite the expected offensive by Russian troops in the east of the country, Selenskyj is certain: “It will be a difficult battle, but we believe in our victory.”
He expressly thanked Nehammer for the visit and for Austria’s support, especially in the humanitarian sector: “Not everyone can supply weapons. But everyone can help according to their capabilities. It is a nice signal when leading personalities come to visit us. This shows that they don’t just support us with words.”
Nehammer: ‘War for Austria unacceptable’
The Chancellor of Ukraine had announced that 20 rescue vehicles, 10 fire engines, fuel and other emergency response equipment from all nine states would be delivered soon: “Austria is aware that the Ukrainian people are currently undergoing one of the most difficult tests.”
Video: Nehammer at Selenskyj in Kiev
The war unleashed by Russia was “completely unacceptable to Austria: we are militarily neutral, but not when it comes to naming crimes and going where injustice happens.”
Zelenskyj, for his part, called for further sanctions against Russia, the current effectiveness is viewed with skepticism, well aware that many EU states lose money with them: “But every kopeck, every dollar, every euro finances the Russian war machine and is aimed at against the people of Ukraine.”
According to Nehammer, Austria will continue to support the EU sanctions and there will be other more targeted sanctions packages “with the aim of ending the war”. Among other things, the supply of small technical parts necessary for military aircraft could be banned to Russia.
Criticism of refusal to stop gas imports
When the Ukrainian party asked him about Austria’s refusal to agree to a gas import ban from Russia, the chancellor underlined the position that sanctions should be imposed on those against whom they were targeted.
However, a cessation of gas supplies could have serious economic and subsequently social consequences in Austria. Nehammer denied that there was a risk that the sanctions could be circumvented by companies such as Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), which operates in Russia: “That would not be accepted in Austria. In addition, RBI is also a major employer in Ukraine.”
Nehammer very reluctant to join the EU
Selenskyj also asked Nehammer about Ukraine’s accession to the EU, unlike EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, there was still reluctance. A number of countries are already waiting in the “courtyard” of the European Union, urgent jobs would only lead to disruptions.
Source: Krone
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