With everyone except the FPÖ
Round table on Ukraine: “Could do more”
Three years after Russia launched its war of aggression against Ukraine, support for the country remains a key issue in Austrian politics. To mark the anniversary, a "Ukraine round table" is being held in parliament with representatives of the SPÖ, ÖVP, Greens, and NEOS, the Ukrainian ambassador, and experts from Ukraine Aid and the Ministry of the Interior—only the FPÖ declined to participate.
The discussion focused on Austria's aid measures to date, further support options, and geopolitical developments. What role can and should Austria play in the future?
For the Ukrainian ambassador to Austria, Dr. Vasyl Khymynets, Austria's military neutrality is respected in Ukraine, but this does not mean that one can be neutral on the issue.
Khymynets:"In these difficult times, such as today, for example in winter, when people and cities are being bombed... We very much hope that Austria will continue to help us. And that will also be part of our shared history."
David Stögmüller, spokesperson for national defense and development cooperation for the Green Party, also believes that Austria should provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine: "Imagine young men fighting in the war. And then they come back and have to be re-socialized in a normal environment. That requires psychological care. There are hundreds, thousands of people on a waiting list in Ukraine to receive prosthetic limbs. Austria has the expertise. We are already helping. And of course we can do much more and expand our efforts."
SPÖ National Council member Petra Bayr emphasizes the importance of sending a signal. Bayr: "It is incredibly important not to forget what is happening right on our doorstep. That thousands of people are still dying there, on the front lines."
She continues: "I believe that what we must prepare for, including Austria, is that even if peace is achieved with the involvement of the European Union and Ukraine, we will probably be dealing with the long-term consequences of this war for decades to come."
Andreas Minnich of the People's Party believes that Austria should continue its traditional role of diplomacy and contribute to peace mediation: "With the headquarters of the OSCE and the UN in Vienna, I believe we are in an excellent position to help create a positive and, hopefully, honest peace. Ukraine must certainly not be overlooked in the peace negotiations. Of course, there will be no peace without America. We have already discussed this here today. We also need strong security guarantees. Europe will have to play a major role here. But America will also be indispensable."
Cornelius Granig, President of Ukraine Aid Austria, proposes setting up a separate office for Ukrainian reconstruction in Austria, as the current special envoy in the Foreign Ministry is not sufficient:"On the one hand, aid measures could be coordinated here for Ukrainians who are here in Austria, and on the other hand, those who are active in the economy could also be given massive support so that they can participate in future projects where the Austrian economy is active in Ukraine."
The discussion made it clear that Austria continues to see itself as having a responsibility to contribute to supporting Ukraine—whether through humanitarian aid, economic cooperation, or diplomatic initiatives.
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