Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) arrives in Kiev on Saturday morning and is received by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Chancellor’s journey is historic – and extremely delicate.
It is a historic journey that the Chancellor is taking on Saturday. As the first Austrian head of government in the Second Republic, Nehammer will travel to a war zone on Saturday.
The chancellor is expected in Kiev tomorrow morning. Nehammer will then meet with Ukrainian President Selenskyj. Nehammer: “My visit also serves to show our solidarity with the Ukrainian people.”
A visit to Bucha is also planned
This is followed by a talk with Kiev mayor Vitali Klitschko before the chancellor visits Butscha, where Russian soldiers are said to have carried out a massacre of the civilian population. “I will take a picture of the situation on the ground for myself. Austria will continue to help where it can,” said the chancellor.
“What is happening in Ukraine, and in particular in many cities of Ukraine, is a terrible war of aggression against the civilian population. The war crimes that have come to light need to be fully elucidated by independent and international experts,” Nehammer said. “Ukraine can count on the free world, we have brought that message to Kiev.”
The chancellor made it clear: “It is important that, in the context of our neutrality, we support Ukraine at both the humanitarian and political level.”
Historic but delicate
Speaking of neutrality, as historic as an Austrian chancellor’s visit to Ukraine may be, it is also sensitive. “It is definitely a turning point in Austrian history because our neutrality has never been more endangered,” explained the historian and expert on Austro-Russian relations from the University of Vienna, Hannes Leidinger, in the “Krone” – interview.
Russia, the signatory power of the state treaty and since then a strong supporter of Austrian neutrality, will observe the visit to the war enemy with suspicion and weigh every word the chancellor has to say. “The chancellor should not have to go to Kiev for the offer of humanitarian aid and a clear condemnation of Russia’s violation of the peace,” said expert Leidinger.
But as it is, it is open support for a war party.
Position as “neutral mediator” at stake
How will Russia react? Leidinger: “In the worst case scenario, Russia will no longer recognize Austria as neutral.” What that realistically means is still unclear. “But Austria has certainly lost its position as a neutral mediator,” the expert said, predicting a longer “ice age in Russian-Austrian relations”.
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.
