Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue with Russia, even as the war in Ukraine continues, APA reports. 

Austria maintains military neutrality in its stance on Ukraine’s war with Russia. The country is not a member of NATO and does not provide direct military aid to Ukraine, unlike most other European Union nations. Despite being neutral, Austria has condemned Russian aggression, imposed sanctions against Russia, and provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine. 

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Schallenberg argued for a nuanced approach to international relations, stating, “The world is not black and white.”

Schallenberg also acknowledged Russia’s current lack of willingness to engage in meaningful talks about Ukraine. However, he stressed the necessity of keeping communication channels open. 

“We need Russia, for example, on the climate issue. Russia is a member of the OSCE, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which I continue to consider crucial and essential on the European continent,” Schallenberg said.

The Austrian minister predicted that the war in Ukraine would ultimately end at the negotiating table, as with all conflicts. 

“The negotiating table can only make sense if both parties, namely Russia and Ukraine, are sitting at it,” he stated.

Schallenberg also addressed the importance of engaging with the Global South, particularly in light of the Ukraine war.  He argued that the West needs to restructure its cooperation with these nations, noting that Russia’s narrative about NATO and the EU being the real aggressors has gained traction in some areas.

“We need to seek much more dialogue, really at eye level,” Schallenberg said, revealing that he had conducted over 100 conversations on behalf of the European Union during his UN visit. He emphasized the need for the West to explain its position, acknowledging a “global battle of narratives” where the European perspective can no longer be taken for granted.

Schallenberg previously deemed calls for Ukraine to cede territories in exchange for peace unacceptable.

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