Meinl-Reisinger in Kyiv: neutrality or necessary step for peace?

Meinl-Reisinger in Kyiv: neutrality or necessary step for peace?

The first trip abroad by Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) caused heated discussions after visiting the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj in Kiev. Their appearance was sharply criticized by the FPÖ, led by Herbert Kickl. The latter described the visit as a "appearance like an EU or NATO sent person" and accused the minister to endanger Austrian neutrality. Instead, Kickl called for a commitment to peace negotiations and a reduction in military support for Ukraine, as reported. reported.

criticism and support for the Foreign Minister

The critics expressed concerns that the decision to choose Ukraine was the first goal of a trip abroad. Many users in online forums called them "NATO Beate" and called for a return to Austrian neutrality. In a contribution, the commentator Politinider pointed out that Meinl-Reisinger should first deal with the state contract and the principles of neutrality before acting in a military context.

FPÖ MP Susanne Fürst described the role of Foreign Minister in Kiev visit as a "incredible misstep" and warned that her statements about the inter-state peace harm the Austrian interests. According to Fürst, it would have been better if Meinl-Reisinger had used the trip to promote an armistice and peace. Instead, in her opinion, she would undermine the neutrality of Austria and provide nonsensical financial support for the reconstruction of Ukraine, while in -depth savings measures are taken, as from the OTS reported.