Since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, Kiev has not tired of highlighting its dependence on arms supplies from allies. According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, almost all EU countries have so far complied with the request – only Austria and Hungary have not yet contributed.
“With the exception of Hungary and Austria, as a neutral country, supplying arms to Ukraine is not taboo for any European country, although it used to be,” Kuleba told Ukrainian television on Monday.
Some even changed the laws
According to Kuleba, many countries that had never previously supplied weapons to conflict zones have changed their minds “after the onset of total aggression”; some countries have changed their laws to allow arms shipments to Ukraine.
When it comes to the implementation of the arms deliveries, there are always discussions between Ukraine’s western partners about which weapons and when these weapons should be delivered. These discussions cost Ukraine daily losses at the front, the foreign minister lamented.
Austria in a “special role”
Russia launched its war of aggression against Ukraine six months ago. Due to its neutrality in the EU’s Ukraine policy, Austria sees itself in a “special role”, as Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) put it. In early July, he claimed there was “full solidarity” within the European Union, including on security issues.
During a visit to Kiev in July, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) personally assured the Ukrainian leadership that Austria, as a neutral country, would not be able to supply Ukraine with weapons of war.
Hungary breaks again
Hungary, in turn, is a member of NATO. Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose course to establish an “illiberal democracy” in Hungary has led to several EU infringement proceedings. Orbán also maintains good contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Hungary has previously opposed EU sanctions against Russia. Orbán wants to stay out of the war in Ukraine, and anyone who supplies weapons is already “with one foot in the war”, according to the head of government.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
