Ambassador Ljubinski leaves Austria: What remains of the mission?

Ambassador Ljubinski leaves Austria: What remains of the mission?

dmitri Ljubinski, the long -time ambassador of the Russian Federation in Austria, will end his work in Vienna over the next few weeks. The impending dismissal was announced on Thursday via a Facebook publication. So far no successor has been announced, and Russia has also not submitted a request for the agrément of a new ambassador, as OE24

Ljubinski, who was appointed by President Putin on August 10, 2015, experienced both far -reaching bilateral possibilities during his almost ten -year term in Vienna, as well as dramatic restrictions through the Russian attack on Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. Since then, Ljubinski and his diplomatic colleagues have largely been excluded from official Austrian occasions, which has burdened diplomacy between the two countries. The low presence of Austrian representatives at a reception for the "Day of Russia" was particularly striking, in which only the entrepreneur Siegfried Wolf was present.

diplomatic effects and criticism

Ljubinski told the press that his time in Austria was characterized by “many, not simple years”. He particularly emphasized initiatives for the Great Patriotic War. Nevertheless, he complained about the negative reporting in the Austrian media, which in his opinion draws a distorted picture of Russia. The Austrian neutrality was also criticized by Ljubinski. He found that there was no serious dialogue on an agenda and pointed out that the local political leadership of Vienna's diplomatic tradition had harmed.

The Ukrainian ambassador in Austria, Vasyl Khymynets, has meanwhile described the situation in Ukraine as brutal and genocide. He emphasizes that peace is only possible if Russia hires its military activities. Like today reported, Khymynets criticized peace suggestions, which are formulated without Ukraine, and described NATO membership as the most effective path for peace and security in Europe. The threat of Russia is a central topic that questions the contemporary relevance of Austrian neutrality.

Some Austrian companies continue to work in Russia, which is fueling the continued discussion about Austrian-Russian relations. The Austrian-Russian friendship society remains active, while the FPÖ, a party with traditional good relationships with Russia, continues to bring in Russia-friendly applications in the National Council. Media reports about the UkraineKlieg, in particular by the Kronen Zeitung and the ORF, are also criticized, since they often spread pro-Russian narratives, such as taz note.

While Austria's humanitarian aid for Ukraine, which was around 750 million euros since the beginning of the war, is recognized, it is considered inadequate in international comparison. Chancellor Karl Nehammer has confirmed Austria's neutrality, but there is no signs of realignment or withdrawing the existing political relationships with Russia.