"No Negotiations": Austria Made a Tough Statement About the War in Ukraine.

Austrian Minister: There Can Be No Peace Without Considering Ukraine's Opinion

Austria's Federal Minister for European and Foreign Affairs, Alexander Schallenberg, stated that there can be no peace that is imposed by Russia or anyone else without considering Ukraine's opinion.

He emphasized that this decision must be made by the Ukrainian people themselves. Ultimately, there will be talks with Russia, because we all strive for peace. But it is unacceptable for peace to be imposed under diktat and without taking Ukraine's opinion into account.

At the same Time, it is necessary to remember: no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine. The Ukrainian people must decide for themselves when they are ready for negotiations. Ultimately, there will be talks with Russia. Because we all want peace. But there can be no peace under diktat. There can be no peace that is imposed by Russia or anyone else without taking Ukraine's opinion into account. This is unacceptable.

Alexander Schallenberg also condemned calls for Ukraine to give up part of its territory to achieve peace. He stated that such calls are absolutely unnecessary and unacceptable.

I consider such calls absolutely unnecessary. Let's imagine that we were attacked: Southern Styria or Burgenland were occupied by a foreign state, there was an attempt to destroy the federal government of Austria or drive it out of the country. And then we were told: "Dear Austrians, why don't you give up part of your territory for the sake of peace?" I consider such calls from outside unacceptable.

The Minister emphasized that the decision on peace should be made by the Ukrainian people, who demonstrate their willingness to fight. At the same time, he noted that Vladimir Putin's attack contributed to the unity of Ukrainian society.

He was attacked and shows an incredible willingness to fight. Ironically, one could say that Putin's attack has contributed more to the unity of Ukrainian society than anyone else before him. Therefore, such calls from outside are absolutely absurd. The final decision here must be made by the Ukrainian people.

Regarding Russia, Alexander Schallenberg expressed the belief that so far there is no genuine willingness for peace from its side.

The war is causing enormous damage to Russia. It is isolated and geostrategically much weaker than it was at the beginning of the aggressive war. Putin will have to draw the necessary conclusions from this. However, I do not yet see a willingness from the Russian side to seriously participate in negotiations. Once such a serious willingness appears from the Russian side, we must seize this opportunity. This is important.

The Minister also considers it important to involve countries of the Global South, especially BRICS countries, to provide security guarantees and influence Moscow.

On the one hand, this is necessary for security guarantees, on the other – these states potentially have greater influence on Moscow. At the same time, none of us knows what actually influences Vladimir Putin's thoughts. Even Chinese partners, who wish to end the war, seem to have only limited influence on him.