“Spark of Hope” – Ukraine: Shortly before the fastest possible negotiations

Kurz said in an interview with Swiss tabloid Blick that he saw “a glimmer of hope” that talks between Ukraine and Russia as part of the Istanbul process could lead to positive dynamics.

He was not critical of Europe’s past dealings with Russia.

Ukraine doesn’t need “outside tips”
“There is no simple solution. The situation is far too complicated. The good news is that every war has ended with negotiations at some point,” said the former chancellor, who says he is in contact with politicians in Ukraine and is still in contact with Russians.

At the same time, regarding a possible compromise, he said Ukraine is entitled to its territorial sovereignty and does not need “tips from outside,” Kurz said.

Europe acted correctly
When asked if Europe had been naive towards Russia in the past, Kurz said: “I’ve thought about it a lot and I ask myself, even if Europe had been much more aggressive towards Russia, maybe that wouldn’t have prevented the conflict from arising. , but accelerated it: we don’t know.”

In any case, he does not know anyone who has foreseen this war of aggression on this scale. “I think it was right that Europe tried to seek dialogue for as long as possible.”

No arms deliveries
As for Austrian neutrality, Kurz spoke out in favor of the distinction between military and political neutrality, in line with the ÖVP line. As bridge builders and places for talks, Austria and Switzerland had “achieved great things for the world and fostered dialogue,” the ex-chancellor said. He also ruled out arms supplies to Ukraine in the future.