In addition to a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Mayor Vitali Klitschko, a visit to the city of Butscha is on the agenda. The return is scheduled for Sunday.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) arrived on Saturday afternoon for a “solidarity visit” to Ukraine, which was under military attack by Russia. In the capital Kiev, he will meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal and Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The program also includes a site inspection in the city of Bucha, where more than 300 civilians died in alleged Russian war atrocities. Return is on Sunday.
The chancellor first flew to Poland on Friday night, from where the delegation, including media representatives, continued on an overnight train from Przemyśl to the Ukrainian capital of Kiev, some 700 kilometers away. Przemyśl is located 13 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Airspace over Ukraine is closed because of the war. The purpose of the visit is “to continue to provide Ukraine with the best possible humanitarian and political support”. Austria has already provided more than €17.5 million from the Foreign Disaster Fund and delivered 10,000 helmets and more than 9,100 protective vests for civilian use.
Nehammer explained in an interview with Austrian journalists: “The war situation shows that it is important for Ukraine not only to believe in integrity and freedom, but also in Europe.” Therefore, staying in Kiev is also a sign of “recognition of statehood, independence and state leadership”. It is important “that, within the framework of our neutrality, we support Ukraine on both a humanitarian and political level”. The visit also served to show “our solidarity” with the Ukrainian population.
“Terrible war of aggression against the civilian population”
“What is happening in Ukraine, and in particular in many cities in Ukraine, is a terrible war of aggression at the expense of the civilian population,” said Nehammer, who admits that the war has moved him “emotionally and personally.” The “most formative” in his political life so far was the terrorist attack in Vienna in November 2020 with four dead. “I don’t think anything would come of it that tops that.” But that was the case with the war in Ukraine.
The “war crimes that have become known” must be “fully clarified”, demanded the Federal Chancellor, “by independent and international experts”. Those responsible for these crimes “should and will be” held accountable, Nehammer said. “I will get a feel for the situation on the ground for myself. Austria will continue to help where it can. We are demonstrating our willingness to help both on the ground and when we take in displaced persons from war zones. Ukraine can look forward to exiting the free world. “
On the occasion of Nehammer’s visit, Ukraine also expects a constructive role by Austria in the current sanctions issues towards Russia, as well as an active involvement in the country’s reconstruction. This was emphasized by the Ukrainian ambassador to Vienna, Vasyl Chymynets. “It is important that the chancellor is in Kiev and makes it clear that he is on Ukraine’s side,” Chymynez said. Nehammer’s conversations with Zelensky are particularly relevant in connection with expectations that Austria will play an active role in Ukraine’s reconstruction. “The federal government and the Austrian economy can get involved here in many areas,” emphasized the diplomat.
(APA)