On Monday, September 4th, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, addressed the Austrian diplomatic corps online, becoming an honorary guest at the conference of Ambassadors of Austria at the invitation of his colleague Alexander Schallenberg.

The Head of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to Austria for providing substantial support to Ukraine in the financial, humanitarian, energy, and political spheres since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.

He reminded that Austria had joined EU sanctions against Russia, supported Ukraine's candidacy for EU membership, joined the humanitarian program "Grain From Ukraine," actively worked on the implementation of President Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula, became part of the coalition to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, provided significant support in civil demining, and many other areas.

"Since February 2022, Austria has demonstrated that neutrality does not mean indifference. On the contrary, it can be active, compassionate, and morally right. Austria has shown by its own example that neutral countries can take a firm position. Moreover, they are more interested than others in preserving international law and order, protecting international peace, and upholding the UN Charter," Minister Kuleba emphasized.

The Head of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Austrian diplomats to work actively alongside their Ukrainian colleagues in Asian and South American countries to convey the truth about Russian aggression, expand the coalition in support of the Peace Formula, and demonstrate that neutrality can be proactive.

"Russia attacked not only Ukraine but also the very foundations of international law and our common principles of humanism. In this situation, the choice is clear. Supporting Ukraine means supporting the UN Charter and common rules," stated Dmytro Kuleba.

Minister Kuleba also emphasized that a simple ceasefire will not stop Russian aggression. According to him, freezing the conflict will only give Russia a break, which it will use to replenish its forces and prepare for a new, even more devastating attack. Instead, he believes that Ukraine and the world need a just and long-lasting peace based on President Zelensky's Peace Formula and the UN Charter.

"A 'just' peace means the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, and a 'long-lasting' one means that Russia will not be able to attack Ukraine and the rest of Europe again. Thank you for understanding the need for such a peace in Ukraine. We count on the strength of Austrian diplomacy and its authoritative voice, both within and outside Europe, to convey this principled position to all countries," Minister Kuleba emphasized.

Dmytro Kuleba added that Ukraine relies on Austria's political support for the decision to open negotiations on Ukraine's EU accession by the end of 2023 and expects that the Austrian side will assist Ukraine in the negotiation process.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the Austrian government, its entrepreneurs, and citizens who support Ukraine during this pivotal moment in European history. He especially noted that no Austrian company has left the Ukrainian market despite the war, and some have even expanded their activities and investments. The Minister thanked Austrian businesses for setting an example for all foreign companies.

You can read Minister Kuleba's full speech in English at the provided link