Shortly after Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced on Sunday that he would travel to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the first critical voices came from Ukraine. An unnamed Ukrainian diplomat said it was a matter of “overconfidence on the part of the Austrian chancellor”. The deputy mayor of Mariupol, Sergei Orlov, also reacted angrily to Nehammer’s plans.
“That is not appropriate today. The war crimes that Russia is currently committing on Ukrainian soil are still taking place,” Orlov told Bild.
Reference to Boucha
And he added: “What we saw in Bucha might have been worse in Mariupol, even if the Russian army tries to cover up the crimes. I don’t understand how it is possible to have a conversation with Putin at this point, how to do business with him.”
Pictures from Nehammer’s visit to Bucha on Saturday:
In some other European countries, such as Poland or the Baltic States, the journey is likely to be viewed critically.
Meinl-Reisinger warns: “Do not leave the common European road”
Nehammer’s visit to Russian President Putin must not lead to Austria leaving the common European path, NEOS chairman Beate Meinl-Reisinger said in an evening broadcast. “In general, there is concern that the meeting will ultimately benefit Putin more than Ukraine. After all, it happened that Austrian politicians made an effort for Russian propaganda carts,” she explained.
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.
