There can be no talks on Ukraine without Ukraine - MFA Austria

Austria advocates ending Russia’s war against Ukraine through negotiations, but such talks are possible only with Ukraine’s participation and never without it.

According to Ukrinform's own correspondent, this was stated by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg, who spoke at g a press conference in Vienna on Monday following negotiations with his Indian counterpart.

"Peace is never achieved on the battlefield. Peace is always achieved at the negotiating table. And this war will be no exception. But indeed, both sides need to agree to negotiate. And here one rule is clear: no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine," noted Schallenberg.

Against this background, the Austrian minister referred to a 10-point peace formula offered by Ukraine "interesting".

He added that it is necessary to "restore the situation where peace and diplomacy can find their place." "But at the moment I don't see it happening because both sides are trying to score decisive points on the battlefield," said Schallenberg.

The minister also pointed out that the war unleashed by Russia is taking place "on European soil, but it is by no means European", as its consequences are global in nature, and millions of people around the world are suffering due to rising prices, as well as food and energy crises.

As reported, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine plans to hold by late February 2023 an international summit to discuss the peace formula proposed by President Volodymyr Zelensky.