Nehammer in Kyiv

Former Chancellor Nehammer Caught in Russian Bombing Spree

Nehammer is traveling to Kyiv as vice president of the EIB; as a militia officer, he is aware of the precarious security situation.(Bild: Krone KREATIV/AFP, zVg)

Tense moments for former Chancellor Karl Nehammer, now Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), on his trip to Ukraine. In the middle of the night, his train had to be stopped and evacuated due to a drone alert; the “Krone” was also on the scene.

It was supposed to be an important business trip for Ukraine’s reconstruction, but even the train ride there was eventful. Former Chancellor Karl Nehammer, now Vice President of the EIB, was traveling on the night train to Kyiv when an alarm suddenly went off.

Around 2 a.m., near the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, the train had to stop due to a drone alert. The passengers were evacuated at short notice. “Each of us is aware that we are in a war zone,” the former politician told the “Krone.” “A specific alert like this really drives that point home once again.”

Despite the tense situation, everyone involved remained calm. “We had already been prepared and briefed on this danger in advance. The last-minute evacuation proceeded in a highly professional and calm manner,” reported another high-ranking participant on the trip.

In the middle of the night, the train carrying Nehammer and his delegation was targeted by Russian drones.(Bild: zVg)

There was no time left to secure their luggage; survival was the only priority.(Bild: zVg)

The Ukrainians thanked the international delegation for its ongoing support and partnership.(Bild: zVg)

Shortly thereafter, the all-clear was given, and the train was able to continue its journey. But even after arriving in Kyiv, the ordeal was not over. Further bomb alerts at the hotel made it clear just how dangerous everyday life in the Ukrainian capital still is.

First Lieutenant Nehammer Naturally Continues His Trip
For Nehammer, this is not his first trip to the war-torn country. As EIB Vice President, he is now responsible for Ukraine’s reconstruction. He plans to visit various projects throughout the week. A meeting with Kyiv’s mayor and former world boxing champion Vitali Klitschko is also on the agenda.

Among other things, the European Investment Bank is financing the reconstruction of destroyed schools and power plants. Austrian companies are also expected to benefit from this in the future. Despite repeated warnings, Militia Officer Nehammer continues his trip...