Zelensky visit to Vienna: massive barriers and large police presence!

Zelensky visit to Vienna: massive barriers and large police presence!

On June 16, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Vienna, which will result in extensive security precautions. The Vienna State Police Directorate has already ordered a closure around Heldenplatz, which applies from 9 a.m. until the end of the visit. This measure is part of a comprehensive security concept developed in close coordination with Ukrainian security personnel. Loud 5min The exclusion zone includes, among other things, the area from Michaelertor to the Burgtheater, as well as parts of the Kohlmarkt, Wallnerstrasse, Bankgasse and the Volksgarten.

The police presence is large, although exact numbers of the deployed forces are not disclosed. The mobilized units include the operations department, the police dog unit WEGA, EKO Cobra and traffic police officers. Security forces will also be positioned in the area of ​​the Federal Chancellery and the Presidential Chancellery to maintain order during the visit, as Small newspaper reported.

Security measures and closed facilities

The extensive security architecture also includes some public facilities. The reading rooms of the National Library and the House of History will remain closed during the visit day. The security measures result in fines of up to 1,000 euros or a substitute prison sentence of up to four weeks if people attempt to enter the restricted zone.

The Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of foreign state guests. It creates risk assessments and develops specific protective measures that are adapted depending on the risk level. As the DSN explains, the protection of state representatives is part of its basic tasks, which also include coordination at Vienna Airport, where many guests arrive in Austria.

Demonstrations and public reactions

Two demonstrations are planned as part of Zelensky's visit. A rally organized by the “Mrija” association will take place at the Outer Castle Gate under the theme “Support Ukraine”. At the same time, another group that is critical of the visit will demonstrate at Maria-Theresien-Platz under the motto “For Peace, Neutrality and Sovereignty.” Ballhausplatz was originally intended as a meeting point, but it is also in the restricted zone, which influences the mobilization of the demonstrators.

The Ukrainian president's visit marks an important moment in bilateral relations between Ukraine and Austria, after a period in which state visits have sharply declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the resumption of these meetings, there is increasing interest in international exchange DSN determines. The visit by state representatives is a sign of a return to normality in international relations, which is accompanied by security precautions and measures.