Federal President of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen has called on the Russian leadership to end its war of aggression against Ukraine and to begin serious and honest negotiations for a peaceful resolution.
He made this statement during a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in Vienna on Monday.
“It is clear that Russia is the aggressor. I once again appeal to the Kremlin leadership: end this illegal war and begin serious and honest negotiations. Ukraine, as President Zelensky assured me today, is ready for peace,” he stated.
Van der Bellen emphasized that such a peace is “not possible without Ukraine, without its participation or consideration of its security interests.”
“Since February 2022, Ukraine has been fighting against the Russian invasion. It is fighting for what here, in peaceful Central Europe, we may take too much for granted. The people of Ukraine do not want to be Russian subjects. They are fighting for their freedom and right to self-determination, and thus for the principles that are the foundation of our European order,” the Austrian president said.
He stressed that a country’s freedom also means “it can choose its own system of values.”
“And I believe Ukraine has clearly shown which system it has chosen – the rule of law, an open society, and democracy. These values must be protected from a so-called ‘system of values’ based on military aggression, violence against neighbors, and repression of dissent. Ukraine is fighting this battle not just for itself, but for all of Europe – and for us as well. Mr. President, I thank you for that. And that is why I especially value your presence here today,” Van der Bellen added.
He noted that immediately after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, “Austria unequivocally took the side of international law and of Ukraine.”
“Austria is militarily neutral, but by no means politically. The return of war to Europe in all its brutality, the unbearable daily images and reports of destruction and immense suffering of Ukrainian men, women, and children compel us to maintain our solidarity and support. They remind us that we must do everything possible to bring this conflict to an end,” the president stated.
He assured that Austria will continue to support Ukraine, including in its reconstruction.
