Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Visits Austria for the First Time Since War Began

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is making an official visit to Austria on Monday, marking his first trip to the country since the onset of the Russian invasion in February 2022. Accompanied by his wife Olena Zelenska, he will arrive in Vienna, where he is expected to be welcomed by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and his spouse Doris Schmidauer around 1:00 PM.

The visit will include a formal ceremony with military honors, followed by a joint press conference between Zelenskyy and Van der Bellen at 3:00 PM. Additionally, Zelenskyy will engage with Chancellor Christian Stocker and various business representatives. Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger will greet him at the airport, while Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler is set to hold a working meeting with the Ukrainian leader to discuss Austria as a potential venue for future peace negotiations.

Zelenskyy's delegation comprises several ministers, including Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sibyha. The visit is also anticipated to result in the signing of bilateral memorandums of understanding and declarations of intent. Meanwhile, Olena Zelenska is scheduled to attend a First Ladies and Gentlemen summit on Wednesday at the Hofburg, with participation confirmed from the spouses of several European leaders.

The summit, initiated by Zelenska in 2021, has previously taken place in Kyiv and online. Doris Schmidauer has hosted this event before, notably sending a video message during a similar gathering in September 2014.

However, the visit has faced criticism from the Freedom Party (FPÖ), which has raised concerns in the National Council due to the timing of Zelenskyy's visit coinciding with the start of budget debates. FPÖ's foreign policy spokesperson Susanne Fürst emphasized that the visit appears to undermine Austria's neutrality by prioritizing the reception of a leader from a nation engaged in conflict.

Zelenskyy is expected to have a brief stay, as he will attend the G7 summit of major Western powers in Canada after his visit to Austria. Only Slovenia and Cyprus remain among the EU countries that Zelenskyy has not yet visited since the war began, although his wife has previously traveled to Slovenia for work-related purposes.

Austria has provided significant support to Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict, with the government mobilizing approximately EUR327 million in financial and humanitarian aid. This figure does not include additional assistance from Austrian provinces, private initiatives, and contributions from Austrian businesses, as well as support received through the EU.

In his previous addresses to the Austrian public and politicians since the war started, Zelenskyy has expressed gratitude for the support received and highlighted the urgent need for assistance, particularly regarding demining efforts in Ukraine, where vast areas remain contaminated by unexploded ordnance.

On the day of his visit, security measures will be heightened around Heldenplatz, with a full-day closure of the area and a significant police presence. Two demonstrations are planned: one in support of Ukraine and another opposing Zelenskyy's visit. Wolfgang Katzian, president of the Austrian Trade Union Federation, has voiced concerns regarding recent developments in Ukraine, particularly the detention of the president of the largest Ukrainian trade union.