Medvedev Threats Against Austria: "Russia is Testing Us"

The Secretary General in the Ministry of Defense, Arnold Kammel, sees Austria as a target of Russia's hybrid warfare. Verbal outbursts and threats from Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chief of the Russian Security Council, towards Austria are considered by the top official as no coincidence. "Russia is testing our reactions," Kammel told the "Presse" (Saturday edition). At the same time, the "home market" in Russia is to be played with the shrill announcements.

Ministry of Defense sees targeted provocation by Russia

Kammel also considers the timing of the threats to be deliberately chosen - due to recent political discussions. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) had stated in Alpbach, for example, that one could "not be neutral in the face of such a threat" as the Ukraine war represents. She advocated for a European army, but not for NATO membership.

The Russians immediately pick up on such debates, Kammel said. They are "very well positioned" in this regard. They probably then decided to "ignite" the topic. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) quickly rejected the interference but also made it clear that abandoning neutrality is not up for debate.

(APA/Red)

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