Austrian head of state Alexander Van der Bellen began his second term in office with a visit to Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Austria for the help and also asked for further support. Then the Federal President spoke plain language. He did not know what weapons Austria could supply. “However, we will do nothing to prevent others from supplying weapons.”
Federal President Van der Bellen started his second term in office with a sensitive mission to Ukraine. A special train went to Kiev to visit Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the “Krone” was also on board. The fact that this is a risky journey was already apparent during the ten-hour journey in a special train with 43 people – there were ten security guards on board.
As a precaution, the president and his entourage did not have any electronic devices on board. From the main station in Kiev, the Ukrainian army made every effort to ensure the safety of the Austrian delegation.
Van der Bellen was visibly shocked
Despite all the atrocities of the war, the optimism of the representatives of the three aid organizations that have been helping Ukrainians for months with personnel and finances: the Red Cross, Caritas and Volkshilfe. It was moving how Minister of Energy Leonore Gewessler and Minister of Economic Affairs Martin Kocher paid tribute to the grave of a mother and her two daughters. A stone’s throw from a mass grave where 112 murdered civilians were found. Van der Bellen was also visibly shocked.
He assured the Ukrainians of his solidarity: “We are on the side of the victims and their relatives.” The Federal President also dared to visit the site because he wanted to send a signal so that people would understand how serious Austria is with its help. Does he feel sick? He’s a fatalist. If you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, a missile can hit you. But you have to take that risk to be credible.
Selenskyj solemnly thanked Austria
After a visit to a school and a hospital, where Austria is actively providing humanitarian aid, comes the exciting climax: the meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a solemn voice, the former comedian thanked Austria for all his previous help. “It is important that you have seen with your own eyes what Putin has released here.” Van der Bellen: “According to the state treaty, Austria is neutral, but not neutral when it comes to defending values and humanity.”
Then the Federal President spoke frankly: “We in Austria must admit that after ten years of financial famine we have neglected our army so much that I do not know what weapons we could provide. However, we will do nothing to prevent others from supplying weapons.”
“See No Dove of Peace Fly”
Van der Bellen again mentions the approximately 120 million euros in state aid and the 55 million euros in private aid, as well as the aid given to 90,000 war refugees in Austria, mainly women and children. Perhaps these children learning the language would one day form the bridge for future understanding between the two countries. In the end, Van der Bellen was rather pessimistic: “I don’t see any doves of peace flying that could justify a diplomatic offensive.”
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.
