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“But we also want to seek dialogue at the same time in order to end this war.” Selenskyj thanked Nehammer explicitly for the visit. “It’s very important and shows support,” said the President to the ÖVP Chancellor in the Presidential Palace, whose access roads are protected by anti-tank barriers and the entrances are protected by piles of sandbags. Even if Austria, unlike other states, cannot supply Ukraine with weapons, the “technical means” from Austria are also a great help. Among other things, the President referred to 20 rescue vehicles and ten water tenders, the delivery of which Nehammer had announced during the conversation. “It’s a nice signal when leading personalities visit us. It shows that they don’t just support us with words.”
Nehammer emphasized that the war triggered by Russia was “completely unacceptable” for Austria. “We are militarily neutral, but not when it comes to naming crimes and when it comes to going where injustice is actually happening.” Austria supports the EU sanctions, emphasized the Chancellor, and there will be other sanctions packages “with the aim of ending the war.” In the future, the sanction mechanisms should become even more delicate and accurate,” promised Nehammer. For example, the delivery of “small technical parts” to Russia that are necessary for military aircraft could be banned.
Gas import stop: Nehammer underlined position
When asked by the Ukrainian side about Austria’s refusal to agree to a gas import ban, the chancellor underlined the position that sanctions should hit those against whom they were aimed. However, an end to gas deliveries could have serious economic and then social consequences in Austria. When asked, the Chancellor denied that the sanctions could be circumvented by companies such as Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), which is heavily involved in Russia. That would not meet with any acceptance in Austria. In addition, RBI is also a large employer in Ukraine. For his part, Zelenskyy called for further sanctions against Russia. “Every kopeck, every dollar, every euro that goes there is used for the war.”
Nehammer is currently on a “solidarity visit” to Ukraine, which has been militarily attacked by Russia. Meetings with Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal and Mayor Vitali Klitschko were also planned in the capital Kyiv. The program also includes a local inspection in the city of Bucha, where more than 300 civilians died in alleged Russian war atrocities. The return to Vienna takes place on Sunday.
Russia has been waging a war of aggression against the neighboring country since February 24. According to military observers, the Russian leadership may have misjudged its original plan to capture the capital, Kyiv. “The resistance of the armed forces and politics was not expected.” Now the Russian forces would be assembled to prepare for a “decisive battle” around the Russian-administered separatist areas in the Donbass.
Source: Nachrichten
