by Abby Chitty with AP
It’s published •update
On his first visit to Austria since the full-scale invasion of Russia’s Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy secured a pledge of non-military support from a traditionally neutral country.
During a meeting between Austrian President Alexander van der Belen and Prime Minister Christian Stocker, Zelenki announced that Ukraine and Austria have signed agreements on key areas such as demining, energy, cybersecurity and reconstruction.
At a joint press conference, Van der Belen reaffirmed Austria’s neutral stance on military issues, but emphasized that Austria is “never politically neutral” and that he would express his support for Ukrainian defense against Russia.
Austria also supported EU sanctions in Moscow and pledged to support the reconstruction of Ukraine once the war is over.
Zelenskyy thanked Austria for “continuingly supporting Ukraine’s fair position in the fight for independence.”
He also condemned Russia’s actions during consultations over the exchanges of potential prisoners, revealing that Russian negotiators once suggested that Russian soldiers exchange Ukrainian children, calling it “madness.”
He added, “This goes beyond understanding, beyond international law, and frankly in line with normal actions (of Russia).
Known for its neutrality since 1955, Austria has faced criticism of its ties with Moscow despite its condemnation of Russian invasion.
Vienna has provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but has refrained from sending weapons.
Former Prime Minister Karl Nehammer was the first EU leader to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin after the war began, but his efforts to persuade Putin to an end to the invasion have failed.
Zelenskyy’s visit to Austria is expected to call for more sanctions on Russia ahead of his trip to Canada’s G7 Summit and discuss potential aid packages for US military aid with President Donald Trump.
“We’ll discuss that with him,” he said. “I’m sure we have that opportunity, and at least I’m counting on it.”
Meanwhile, Russia launched 138 drones overnight, targeting the Donetsk region of Ukraine. Despite Ukraine intercepting or obstructing most of them, 10 drones hit the target, causing additional damage.
A drone strike also struck Smie city on Sunday night, with Ukrainian power engineers firing fire at the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
