Russia using Ukraine invasion threats for political purposes – Austrian chancellor

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, he stated this in his speech in the Federal Council (upper house of parliament) on Thursday, February 3.

"There is a very serious situation between Ukraine and the Russian Federation and the escalation that is happening at the borders is worrying. The Russian Federation now has everything at hand to launch an invasion of Ukraine. The Russian Federation also understands this. It uses it in a political manner," he said.

Nehammer added that the European Union is trying its best to promote dialogue, including within of the Normandy format. "The Normandy format has been reinstated, which is very important. In [this format], Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France are sitting at the same table. And this, in my opinion, is very important," he said.

He added that EU member states also provide direct support to Ukraine. According to him, "Austria is doing the same." Against this background, he pointed to his planned visit to Ukraine and participation in a major Ukrainian-Austrian forum, which should be seen as a show of support for Ukraine "in this tense time."

op