Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) entered the recent debate over a possible demining operation by the federal army in Ukraine – and probably ended it at the same time. Such an assignment is unthinkable for Nehammer. But he leaves one option open.
“No Austrian soldier will set foot on Ukrainian soil for such an operational mission as long as it is a war zone,” Nehammer said in a statement released by the chancellor’s office on Friday. “Anyone who wants to send Austrian soldiers to a war zone risks that they will not come back alive. This price is too high.”
All of Ukraine as a war zone
As Nehammer points out, this “rivet” applies as long as operations in a “war zone” are concerned. By which the chancellor means all of Ukraine. Air raid alerts were only issued across the country on Friday morning and new missile strikes are feared.
According to the Chancellery, what would be an option: “Such operations are usually carried out by private companies. Austria is currently exploring financial participation in such an initiative.”
Ukraine has been asking for help for months. Austria has top equipment and know-how for mine clearance. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen Alexander Van der Bellen (on paper the Supreme Commander of the Federal Army) had shown a lack of understanding why Austria was not already helping in “civil areas”. “When it comes to demining schools or kindergartens, it’s not a matter of neutrality,” his office said Thursday.
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.
