"Ukraine Leads the Fight for All of Europe": Zelensky Hopes for Austria's Help

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested Austria's mediation in efforts to return abducted Ukrainian children. "We discussed the possibility of Austria's mediation in this matter to bring the children back," Zelensky said on Monday after a meeting with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen in Vienna. Zelensky expressed skepticism about Ukraine's neutrality following Austria's example.

Austria as Mediator for Abducted Children

Regarding the abducted children, Zelensky rejected an exchange agreement with Russia. "We cannot exchange children, they are not commodities," emphasized the Ukrainian President at a joint press conference with Van der Bellen. Thousands of children have been forcibly taken to Russia. All children must be brought back to their homeland, to their families, and their culture.

Assistance with Extraditions

Zelensky also made it clear that he expects stronger cooperation from Austrian authorities in extradition efforts concerning their own citizens. It concerns Ukrainians "who are now hiding in Austria to evade responsibility. This is irresponsible, especially in times of war," he said. "We hope that Austria will help us in this matter and support us."

Zelensky Skeptical of Neutrality

Zelensky reiterated his skepticism about Russian neutrality proposals for his country when asked by an Austrian journalist. "In 2014, Ukraine was a non-aligned country, and we see how it all ended. It ended with a war, with the occupation of the Crimean Peninsula and part of eastern Ukraine," he said. At that time, Ukraine was "quasi-neutral," lacked enough determination, and its army lacked strength. "We want this war to end, but not under an ultimatum and not at the cost of Ukraine's independence," he said towards Moscow.

More Pressure on Russia Demanded

With an eye on the upcoming G7 summit, Zelensky called for increased pressure on Russia through further sanctions. Particularly important are sanctions against Russian energy carriers such as oil. The Ukrainian President also expressed confidence that the USA will continue to supply weapons to Kyiv. "We are talking with Trump about military aid and weapons, which we are ready to buy," he emphasized. "We are not talking about new aid." Efforts must be made to ensure that the alliance between the USA and Europe "does not fall apart." "No one can resist a union of the EU and the USA. Therefore, we are very interested in a strong bond," he emphasized. Should there be difficulties in this area, "then we must make a giant leap in the development of our own military industry, and we do not have much time for that."

Van der Bellen Reaffirms Support for Ukraine

Van der Bellen reaffirmed Austria's clear support for Ukraine. "The people of Ukraine do not want to be Russian subjects, they are fighting for their freedom," he emphasized. It is about a country being able to choose its own value system. "Ukraine is fighting this battle not only for itself but for all of Europe, including us. For that, I thank you," he said towards Zelensky. Austria supports Ukraine in many areas, just not militarily. Even if it wanted to do the latter, "I wouldn't know what we could do for Ukraine because we are busy with the buildup (of the military, ed.)," said the Federal President. Van der Bellen did not see Zelensky's visit as contradicting neutrality.

Both presidents also addressed the reconstruction of Ukraine. This is already "necessary now," said Zelensky. And Van der Bellen mentioned the special envoy for reconstruction. Austria was one of the largest investors in Ukraine before the war, emphasized the Federal President. 200 Austrian companies are permanently engaged in Ukraine.

Several Memorandums Signed at Meeting in Vienna

At the beginning of the joint press conference, several bilateral memorandums and declarations of intent were presented in the areas of foreign policy, agriculture, regions, and municipalities. The documents were signed by Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS), Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP), President of the Association of Municipalities Johannes Pressl (ÖVP), and the Governor of Upper Austria Thomas Stelzer (ÖVP).

Zelensky was received with military honors in Vienna early in the afternoon. This is the first visit to Austria by the Ukrainian head of state since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression in February 2022. Zelensky is accompanied by his wife Olena Zelenska for the official visit.

Meeting with Chancellor Stocker

Zelensky also met with Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) as well as Transport Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ), Economy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP), and representatives from the economy. In brief welcoming remarks, Stocker assured that Austria would continue to stand by Ukraine. Everyone wanted an end to this war, most of all the people in Ukraine, he said. All initiatives leading to a ceasefire and a sustainable and just peace were supported. "Russia is urgently called upon to finally come to the negotiating table," declared the Chancellor, while also emphasizing Austria's readiness to play an important role in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

It is very important that countries that could influence Putin regarding a ceasefire and an end to the war propose a mediator role, Zelensky explained. "I am very glad that Austria is giving appropriate signals regarding a mediation mission and we support that," said the Ukrainian President without going into further details. Efforts to support the return of children "stolen" by Russia are also important. There is also hope for cooperation with Austria in the field of justice. "Unfortunately, only a few former Ukrainian officials and oligarchs are hiding on Austrian territory (from Ukrainian prosecution, ed.). This is an important question of justice," he emphasized and announced his intention to discuss this issue explicitly with Stocker. Finally, Zelensky also requested support for the European integration of his country.

(APA/Red)

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