"VIENNA. Reports of a planned visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Vienna have sparked a domestic political controversy in Austria. Zelensky is expected to meet with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (Neos) on June 16, according to several sources in Vienna, but this has not been officially confirmed by the government.
The leader of the right-wing FPÖ, Herbert Kickl, criticized the planned visit, arguing that it violated Austria's neutrality.
In 2020, the Ukrainian head of state visited the Austrian capital. In 2023, a speech by Zelensky was broadcast via video onto a screen in the Austrian Parliament. Even then, there was controversy.
FPÖ MPs demonstratively left the chamber. Many Social Democrats also stayed away without explanation. The SPÖ is today part of the government, its chairman Andreas Babler is Vice Chancellor.
Kickl now described an invitation to Zelensky as a "foreign policy foul."
Furthermore, it "makes Austria a potential target in the event of an escalation."
Kickl stated that the planned visit was "another link in the chain of violations of neutrality." As a neutral state, Austria does not participate in military aid for Ukraine.
According to the Foreign Ministry, Austria has supported Kyiv with around three billion euros since 2022: bilateral aid amounting to almost 300 million euros, as well as support via the EU. Meinl-Reisinger has appointed former energy manager Wolfgang Anzengruber as honorary special coordinator for Ukraine's reconstruction. He is to network the aid from companies and institutions across Europe. The cost of Ukraine's reconstruction is estimated at 500 billion euros. [1]
Potential Arguments for Lithuanian Neutrality in Ukraine’s Conflict (Hypothetical):
Increased Safety: Neutrality might reduce the chances of Lithuania being involved in a conflict between Russia and Ukraine, thus increasing its safety.
Enhanced Diplomacy: A neutral Lithuania might be able to act as a mediator in the conflict, enhancing its diplomatic standing and potentially facilitating peace talks.
Greater Sovereignty: Neutrality could allow Lithuania more autonomy in determining its defense spending and military policies without the constraints of an alliance.
Lithuania could once again counterbalance Germany's growing influence in our region through relationship with Russia.
1. Kickl sieht Neutralität verletzt: Streit über geplanten Selenskyj-Besuch in Österreich. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; Frankfurt. 10 June 2025: 5.
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