“Yes, it is a war of aggression from Russia.” That was the introductory sentence of former FPÖ leader Heinz-Christian Strache during a panel discussion of the “Platform for Peace and Neutrality” he founded on Monday evening. With Andreas Mölzer and Peter Fichtenbauer, two FPÖ members discussed the AfD member of the Bundestag Christina Baum, the ex-AfD member Heinrich Fiechtner and the non-partisan Efgani Dönmez. Criticism of Europe’s dealings with Moscow was heard.
The motive for the event and the creation of its platform was that there were “no loud and audible peace initiatives,” said Strache, who moderated the discussion in Vienna. Russia was not invited to the negotiating table, he accused the West. The panel largely agreed. Former MEP Mölzer said: “Nothing positive is being brought in from the European side at the moment.”
The causes of the war are much more complex
The stage seemed to agree that Russia was portrayed too badly. However, the causes of the war are much more complex than the mainstream media claim, Mölzer ruled. But: “Not everyone who doubts understands Putin.”
For the German AfD politician Christina Baum, who spoke out in the Bundestag against the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO, Russia – or at least not Vladimir Putin – is not responsible for the war against Ukraine. “The aggressor is the one who forces his opponent to take up arms,” she quoted Frederick the Great. Even before the war, she thought, “I hope Putin will calm his nerves,” because he was “permanently challenged.”
“I also want to understand a Mr. Putin”
Former Greens and ÖVP member Dönmez said: “We are presented with a story, a story that we have to accept without thinking. I say as a mediator: I would also like to understand a Mr. Putin.” The same is true in the case of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Instead, the West is deliberately escalating.
This war is a proxy war of the great powers in which military equipment would be tested, Dönmez said. The EU only acts as a “vassal state” of the US. Putin has done them a favor with the war: the EU has now moved closer to the US and distanced itself from Russia. The EU should actually make its own peace policy, Dönmez explained. Asked by Strache if Ukraine is the epitome of Western values, Heinrich Fiechtner replied: “I must say: unfortunately yes, it is – in all its corrupt amalgamation.”
Neutrality is close to Austrian hearts
Strache often used the term neutrality – not so much in relation to Ukraine, but to Austria. “I think that joining NATO is the last thing the Austrians want,” he said, later claiming that neutrality was “dear to the Austrians”. To which former Liberal ombudsman Peter Fichtenbauer remarked: “Neutrality was never undisputed.” He himself finds “relatively little neutrality” and does not believe that wars can be prevented with this.
Mölzer referred to the history of his own party: the VdU (Association of Independents, note) was against neutrality.” Baum was of the opinion: “It is very important that Austria remains neutral.” the MP.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
