Selenskyj visit in Vienna: FPÖ criticizes sabotage of neutrality!

Selenskyj visit in Vienna: FPÖ criticizes sabotage of neutrality!

Wien, Österreich - On June 16, 2025, Austria's federal government received the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj for a historical visit to Vienna. This was his first visit to the Alpine Republic since the beginning of the Ukraine War. Selenskyj was welcomed with military honor and was accompanied by First Lady Olena Selenska and a high -ranking delegation, which also included Foreign Minister Andrij Sibyha. In the run -up to the visit, extensive security measures had been taken, and numerous streets near the Heldenplatz and the Volksgarten were closed to secure the reception. In addition, the police had registered rallies, including a Pro-Ukrainian one and the visit.

However, the political reactions to Selenskyj's visit are different. FPÖ general secretary Christian Hafenecker said in the National Council that the reception is a targeted sabotage of the parliamentary operation and that a distraction from the upcoming budget debate was. Hafenecker criticized the government parties sharply because they used to do without “special measures” on plenary days, but were no longer practiced. He called for a survey by the population to Ukraine policy and warned of the dangers of Austrian neutrality. The trust in the legitimacy of the government of Ukrainian politics is strongly shaken, according to Hafenecker.

political tensions and criticism

The topic of neutrality played a central role in the discussions about visiting Selenskyj. FPÖ federal party chairman Herbert Kickl described the invitation as a foreign policy crazy and a potential risk of Austria's foreign policy credibility. In an urgent request in the National Council, Kickl called for answers to questions about the risk of neutrality and the security strategy of Austria. He emphasized the importance of a constitutional obligation to neutrality and expressed concern about the financial burden that the Ukraine War brings with it for the citizens, while at the same time there are healthcuts.

In the context of the political discussions, the FPÖ foreign politician Susanne Fürst also expressed criticism and described the visit as a "homage to a war-leading head of state". Union President Wolfgang Katzian also represented the situation. The Austrian government has mobilized 327 million euros in financial and humanitarian aid since the beginning of the war.

conversations and future perspectives

The Ukrainian President had talks with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker and Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler. The latter had proposed to use Austria as a neutral place for peace negotiations, an idea that is of great interest in view of the prominent visits and the current geopolitical situation. Above all, the reconstruction of Ukraine is estimated at around 500 billion euros, which underlines the economic dimensions of the conflict.

While Selenskyj had contacted Austria's citizens and Parliament several times by video message or live circuit, it remains to be seen the further political consequences of this highly symbolic visit by the Ukrainian president will result. The reception has made it clear how the political landscape of Austria and the discussion about neutrality seem to be under tension.