- Sputnik International, 1920
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Not So Neutral? Austria Expects Zelensky's Visit

© BARBARA GINDLBuildings of the old town of Salzburg, Austria, are seen along the Salzach river on November 12, 2021, during the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Buildings of the old town of Salzburg, Austria, are seen along the Salzach river on November 12, 2021, during the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. - Sputnik International, 1920, 07.06.2025
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to visit Vienna on June 16 for talks with senior Austrian officials, Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung reported.
Zelensky is expected to meet with President Alexander Van der Bellen and ministers from the three-party coalition government, including Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger of the Neos party, the daily reported.
Austrian news channel OE24 reported that the leak put the visit in question.
The right-wing Freedom Party (FPO) accused the Austrian government of undermining the alpine nation's neutrality by planning to host Zelenskyy.
"It is irresponsible, especially now, when efforts are being made on all sides to start peace talks — to give the stage to the president of a warring state. This is not just a foreign policy failure, which makes Austria a potential target in the event of an escalation. Those who act in this way endanger Austrians — we must not allow this to happen," FPO leader Herbert Kickl was quoted as saying by the party.
Head of the Freedom Party (FPOe) Herbert Kickl in Vienna, Austria, Monday, Jan. 06, 2025.  - Sputnik International, 1920, 10.01.2025
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Why Is Austria’s Herbert Kickl Cast as Bogeyman by Europe’s Mainstream?
Meinl-Reisinger went on a visit to Ukraine in March in a show of support for Kiev. This drew sharp criticism from the FPO, which won September's legislative election but failed to form a coalition. FPO leader Herbert Kickl said that the foreign minister's actions undermined Austria's interests and security and violated the principle of neutrality.
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