Army search for mines? – Ukraine wants help – but not everyone is ready

When President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed parts of the Austrian parliament (half red and all blue were missing), he also mentioned a terrorist weapon used by the Russians: mines. An area twice the size of Austria is affected. There are deaths and injuries every day. It is also an important agricultural area.

Austria has top knowledge when it comes to detecting and defusing mines. Ukraine asks for help. There will not be – although Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg have pledged their support. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (all ÖVP) does not want to help until the war is over, possibly together with the Red Cross.

“It is much too late – we need to help now,” said Helmut Brandstätter, NEOS spokesperson for foreign policy. That is what the Ukrainian ambassador in Vienna, Vasyl Khymynets, told the “Krone”: “Please don’t wait. No one can say how long the war will last.”

Concern for neutrality: “Wouldn’t be compromised”
The diplomat believes Austria’s inner conflict is due to concerns about neutrality. Demining in wartime is against the constitution, says Tanner. Meanwhile, Ambassador Khymynets says: “Neutrality would not be compromised. Ukraine is about purely civilian areas. Moreover, civil defense is our responsibility, not the military’s.” Legal experts also see no problem with neutrality in demining civilian areas.

President Selenskyj hopes that Austria will act quickly, as can also be heard from Kiev. Helmut Brandstätter: “It’s about saving lives.” In addition, economic benefits could also be gained from the reconstruction of Ukraine by Austrian companies after the war.