The dispute in Austria over expertise and equipment to aid mine clearance in Ukraine continues. There are suggestions. But still no movement.
The situation in Ukraine? War and no end in sight. Civilians are also suffering. In non-war zones alone, up to 6 casualties per day are caused by Russian mines. The “Krone” learned this from high-ranking insiders in Kiev on Thursday.
Austria has top equipment and know-how for mine clearance
Ukraine has been asking for help for months. Austria has top equipment and know-how for mine clearance. Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (both ÖVP) have expressed their approval. But nothing happens.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (also ÖVP) does not want to send soldiers to war zones. It also jeopardizes neutrality. Legal experts disagree. Also the Greens and the NEOS. And Alexander Van der Bellen. As federal president, he is also commander-in-chief of the army. At a Council of Europe summit in Iceland, he was asked about aid to Ukraine. And showed a lack of understanding why Austria is not already helping in civilian areas. “When it comes to demining schools or kindergartens, it’s not a matter of neutrality,” his office said Thursday.
Helmut Brandstätter (NEOS) has a suggestion. Send demining equipment to train Ukrainians in Austria. “That’s how Switzerland, which is also neutral, does it.” Tanner: “We should check what demining devices are available to us.” Most of them are currently in use. Decades of savings have led to a lack of resources.
Of course, one could participate financially at any time. To stick to war jargon: the fronts are hardened.
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.
