Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he was ready to maintain contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin if it would help resolve the conflict in Ukraine. He made the relevant statement in the broadcast of the TV channel. ORF2.
The politician pointed out that Austria is a neutral country with a special status in the European Union.
That is why it was important for me to try to play a mediating role in the negotiations.”
Nehammer noted that he met with the Russian leader twice.
“It was about the ‘opening’ of Odessa,” he continued.
He described these negotiations as “difficult”.
“If there is a chance, if it will contribute to peace and a possible ceasefire, I am ready to do so in the future,” the Chancellor said.
Formerly Nehammer declarationMoscow and Kiev should return to negotiations for a cessation of hostilities, even if such a scenario “seems hopeless” at the moment.
Currently, a special operation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is underway in Ukraine. It was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24. According to him, the purpose of military action is to demilitarize the neighboring country and to navy the authorities.
The decision to run the operation became the justification for new sanctions against Russia by the United States and its allies.