Media Report on Zelensky's Visit to Vienna
As reported online by the "Kronen Zeitung," the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Vienna is planned for June 16.
No official confirmation for media report on Zelensky's visit to Vienna
The presidential office did not want to comment on the APA's request, and the chancellery, foreign ministry, and the Ukrainian embassy stated that there was no confirmation for this.
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) reposted the "Krone" report on X, but it was later deleted. FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl sharply criticized the visit. "This is not only a foreign policy foul but also makes Austria a potential target in the event of an escalation! Acting in this way endangers the safety of Austrians - we must not allow that," he wrote in a statement.
"Another building block in the chain of neutrality violations"
"This visit is another building block in the chain of neutrality violations and the incredible neutrality policy of recent years," said Kickl. "As a neutral state, Austria has the task of being a bridge builder and mediator - not becoming a war party," he demanded. "We want no place for war propaganda, but a platform for peace. That is the path for Austria - anything else is playing with fire!"
Zelensky has only been to Austria once before, in September 2020. After the outbreak of the Russian war of aggression in February 2022, he addressed numerous parliaments via video link, with Austria taking comparatively longer. At the end of March 2023, he spoke from the screen to the deputies in the National Council meeting room. He thanked Austria for its support and asked for help in demining his country. The event was overshadowed by a boycott by FPÖ deputies. A large part of the SPÖ deputies also stayed away from the event for various reasons. The first bilateral foreign trip in office for the foreign minister led Meinl-Reisinger to Kyiv, where she met Zelensky, among others.
(APA/Red)
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