Austria Chancellor says ready to mediate between Ukraine, Russia

Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer says he is ready to continue the dialogue with the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin if it helps to end the war in Ukraine.

The chancellor said this during a speech on ORF2, Ukrinform reports.

Nehammer stated that he was ready to maintain contact with the president of the Russian Federation, if this contributed to the end of the war in Ukraine. The politician has also emphasized that his country adheres to neutrality, but there are a number of issues that are fundamental for them.

"We are a neutral country, we have a special status in the EU, and it was for this reason that it was important for me to try to play a mediating role in talks. However, we have a clear position regarding humanitarian corridors, a ceasefire, and an objective investigation of war crimes," the chancellor said.

Memo. At the onset of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Karl Nehammer was the first European leader to personally meet with Putin to discuss the ongoing developments. However, nothing changed in Putin’s position following those talks.

Nehammer also spoke with Putin to discuss the exchange of prisoners of war and a grain corridor from Ukrainian ports.

In general, since late February, the Austrian leader has communicated with the Russian dictator only twice.