Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schalenberg called on Russia to “take its hands off Ukraine” and reminded of the serious consequences for Russia in the event of further aggression.

This was stated by the head of Austrian diplomacy on Thursday during his speech at the National Council of Austria, – he writes Ukrinform.

MP Helmut Brandstetter condemned Russia’s aggressive intentions and stressed that Austria should stand up for Ukraine. “I am convinced that I need to say very clearly: Dear Mr. Putin, get your hands off Ukraine!”

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg added that he fully shares this call. “And I completely agree with you, dear deputy: get your hands off Ukraine! This is really the main event that is being questioned now,” the minister replied.

It is intended for Austrian deputies, which is in fact very serious, extremely dangerous and extremely tense. The chief Austrian diplomat added that “it is impossible to negotiate with tanks and missiles” or, as Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said, “with a gun near the head of Ukraine.” According to him, solutions can be found only through dialogue. And it is also important, as the Austrian minister added, that the EU also sit at the negotiating table.

The Austrian leader also adheres to Russia’s demands, such as the legally binding guarantees that Ukraine will never join NATO “are simply unacceptable.” According to him, this should be decided by the Alliance itself, and not by some third country. The same applies to Moscow’s demands for new spheres of influence. But Schallenberg, which makes sense in other Moscow proposals, such as arms control and greater transparency of military schools or confidence-building measures.

The Austrian minister also noted the need to give Moscow its obligation to adhere to the principles of sovereign equality of the state in relation to the threat to the strength of borders and territorial integrity.

“Honestly, the Russian narrative that they are threatened by Ukraine and the West is sometimes incomprehensible. It is not Ukraine that bought part of Russia, it is not Ukraine that is arming and financing separatist movements in Russia. It is now saying it is afraid of fire.” said Schallenberg.

He added that Moscow’s further aggression against Ukraine by Moscow will have serious consequences for Russia.

Let me clarify one thing: any further aggression – and I stressed this: any further aggression against Ukraine will have serious consequences for Russia. The price will be high – it will be high and economic and political. But do nothing, make up hands and are engaged in appeasement – so too it cannot be », – the head of the Austrian foreign ministry summarized.

to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell believes that only Ukraine’s trade potential with Ukraine will be stopped with a strong containment package of the Russian Federation.

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