Russians and People of CIS Countries in Vienna | Russia in Austria - Vindobona.org

OPEC+: Alliance of Eight Countries Slows Oil Production Until Spring 2026

In a time of global economic uncertainty and heightened geopolitical tensions, OPEC+ remains a dominant force in the worldwide oil industry. At a virtual meeting, the eight leading member states decided to suspend the planned production increases for the coming months for the time being.

Yesterday

Middle East Crisis on 70th Anniversary: Wave of Boycotts Shakes Eurovision 2026 in Vienna

What was supposed to be a glittering celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) at the Wiener Stadthalle is turning into the most serious diplomatic crisis in the history of the competition. While the slogan “United by Music” is emblazoned across the preparations for May 2026, the European broadcasting landscape is more deeply divided than ever before.

December 22, 2025

Explosive Legal Dispute in Vienna: Is Russia Facing the Expropriation of Dozens of Properties for Ukraine?

The Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz has secured a multi-billion-euro arbitration ruling. The Vienna District Court has approved the auction of properties worth over €120 million. The Austrian Foreign Ministry is examining the issue of immunity.

December 16, 2025

OSCE Ministerial Council in Vienna: Between Principles, Pressure for Reform, and the War in Ukraine

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has concluded its 32nd Ministerial Council meeting in Vienna. The meeting, attended by over 1,200 participants from member states, partners, international organizations, and civil society, was dominated by Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine and the urgent need for internal reforms.

December 8, 2025

Former Pornhub Owner and Austrian Bergmair Eyes Lukoil's Foreign Business Under US Sanctions

According to insiders, Austrian businessman Bernd Bergmair, known as the former majority owner of the porn platform Pornhub, is considering investing in the foreign holdings of Russian oil giant Lukoil.

December 3, 2025

Meinl-Reisinger Calls for a Defensible EU and Criticism of U.S. Peace Plan

During her meeting with EU counterparts in Brussels and on Austrian radio-televison, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) called for a stronger, defensible, and geopolitically capable European Union.

November 23, 2025

Iran, China, and Russia Coordinate Ahead of IAEA Meeting

Ahead of the upcoming meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, the ambassadors of Iran, China, and Russia coordinated their positions and met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. The meeting served as an opportunity to discuss the agenda for the upcoming meeting, which will be held at the Vienna International Center (VIC) from November 19 to 21.

November 18, 2025

High-Level Conference in Vienna Highlights the Strategic Realignment of the Caucasus and Central Asia

A high-level international conference entitled “Shifting Grounds: The Caucasus, Central Asia, and Europe in a New Global Order” was held at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, jointly organized by the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC). The conference focused on how profound geopolitical shifts are redefining the global balance of power and the strategic role of the Caucasus and Central Asia.

October 23, 2025

Van der Bellen in the Baltic States: Strong Words for Europe's Security at the EU's External Border

The multi-day trip to the Baltic states by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, together with Doris Schmidauer, began in Lithuania and highlighted the central role of European security and the strengthening of economic relations in the region.

October 20, 2025

Putin Appoints Andrei Grosov as Russia's New Ambassador to Vienna

Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed 64-year-old diplomat Andrei Grosov as the new ambassador of the Russian Federation to Austria. Grosov, a career diplomat who has worked in the foreign ministries of the Soviet Union and Russia since 1983, takes up the post in Vienna at a time when he is expected to navigate difficult relations.

October 16, 2025

Russian Duma Seals Withdrawal From Plutonium Agreement with the U.S.

The lower house of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, voted to withdraw Russia completely from a key nuclear disarmament treaty with the United States. The Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA), which regulates the destruction of large quantities of weapons-grade plutonium, is now finally history.

October 8, 2025

Nuclear Threat: Putin Does not Rule Out Strikes Against Ukrainian Nuclear Power Plants

The nuclear safety situation in Ukraine is coming to a head. Amid ongoing concerns about the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened potential strikes against other Ukrainian nuclear power plants. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is concerned.

October 2, 2025

Russian Diplomat Expelled Following OMV Espionage Case

Just a few days after a suspected espionage case at the Austrian oil, gas, and chemical company OMV came to light, Austria has declared a Russian diplomat “persona non grata.” The high-ranking employee of the Russian Embassy in Vienna has already left the country.

September 30, 2025

IAEA Alarmed: Drones Pose Threat to Nuclear Power Plants in Ukraine

Nuclear safety in Ukraine has once again been seriously compromised. Just hours after the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) suffered its longest complete loss of external power supply since the start of the war, a drone struck dangerously close to the active South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant (Pivdennoukrayinsk).

September 29, 2025

Vienna, a Hub for Espionage since the Cold War

For several historical and geographical reasons, Vienna has a long and distinguished history as a center of espionage. During the Cold War, Vienna gained particular significance as a hotspot for espionage, but even after the end of the Cold War, this status has continued and has even intensified in recent years.

September 26, 2025

Alternative Right in Austria: Technology, Theology, and Political Strategy

In August of this year, tech billionaire Peter Thiel, who is also known for his proximity to the new right, caused confusion by visiting the University of Innsbruck unnoticed. At the same time, the FPÖ in Austria is moving closer to the U.S. right wing. The FPÖ has a long history and has undergone a transformation to become an international pioneer of the new right.

September 25, 2025

OMV in Espionage Scandal: CEO Alfred Stern Reassures, Adnoc Relationship to Remain Uncompromised

A suspected espionage case at Austria's largest energy company, OMV, has caused a stir in recent days. While the authorities are investigating a long-standing employee suspected of having supplied sensitive data to the Russian secret service, OMV CEO Alfred Stern is trying to smooth the waters. Stern emphasizes that the incident will not strain the long-standing partnership with major shareholder Adnoc from Abu Dhabi.

September 22, 2025

Fugitive Wirecard Manager Marsalek Tracked Down in Moscow

After extensive international research, a consortium of journalists has tracked down fugitive Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek in Moscow. According to reports, the 45-year-old is living under a false identity and working for the Russian secret service, the FSB.

September 17, 2025

Herbert Kickl Considers Russian Gas as a Solution to the Economic Crisis

Amidst an ongoing economic crisis and rising living costs, FPÖ party leader Herbert Kickl presented his proposed solutions at the latest “summer talks.” His argument centers on a radical change of course in energy policy and far-reaching savings in the national budget.

September 9, 2025

Austrian Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Meets Belarusian Opposition Leader Tsikhanouskaya

Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger welcomed Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to Vienna for talks. The discussions focused on the current situation of civil society in Belarus and efforts to secure the release of political prisoners detained there.

September 7, 2025

OPEC+ Continues to Turn Up the Oil Tap

The OPEC+ oil-producing countries, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, have announced a further increase in their crude oil production. From October 2025, daily production will be increased by an additional 137,000 barrels (159 liters each). This move is part of a strategy aimed at gradually reversing previous production cuts and regaining market share.

September 7, 2025

Trump Meeting with Zelensky Without Breakthrough Analyzed by Austrian Security Experts as Stalemate in Washington

The diplomatic summit in Washington between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and leading European heads of state kept the channels of communication open but failed to produce any concrete results in the Ukraine war.

August 27, 2025

Austria Could Grant Vladimir Putin Immunity for Peace Talks Despite Arrest Warrant

Amid ongoing tensions in the Ukraine war, neutral Austria could play a decisive role as a mediator. As confirmed by the Austrian Foreign Ministry, it would be prepared to host possible peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. A possibility was also raised of granting Russian President Vladimir Putin immunity despite an international arrest warrant.

August 27, 2025

Austrian Foreign Minister on Mission for European Peace and Stability in Moldova and Ukraine

Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger sought to reinforce her vision for a united and resilient European Union with her latest trip and diplomatic efforts. During her visit to Moldova and Ukraine, she not only sent a message of solidarity, but also positioned herself as an advocate for an independent European defense policy upon her return to Alpbach.

August 25, 2025

Austria's Armed Forces and Defense Minister Tanner Hold Back on Possible Ukraine Mission

The question of Austrian participation in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine is becoming the focus of Austria's military debate, but it is met with skepticism in the Ministry of Defense. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including a recent meeting in Washington, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) remains cautious.

August 20, 2025

Suspected Espionage at the Heart of Diplomacy: Swiss Colonel of the OSCE Delegation Withdrawn

A high-ranking Swiss military officer has been recalled from his post at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna. The reason is a serious suspicion of passing information to Russian authorities. The affair has rocked Swiss diplomacy at a politically sensitive time, as Switzerland prepares to take over the chairmanship of the OSCE in 2026. The military justice system has launched an investigation to clarify the scope of the case.

August 12, 2025

Austrian Diplomacy Strengthens Partnerships with Landlocked Developing Countries in Central Asia

At an important UN conference in Turkmenistan, Austria once again reaffirmed its role as a strong partner for landlocked developing countries. State Secretary Sepp Schellhorn, who attended the conference, emphasized the importance of deeper regional cooperation and modern logistics networks to compensate for the particular geographical disadvantages of these countries.

August 10, 2025

UNODC: War is Transforming Ukraine's Criminal Landscape

The war in Ukraine has significantly altered the country's criminal landscape and caused considerable social and economic damage. In a report, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) examined the development of organized crime in the fourth year of the war and found that criminal groups have adapted their business models to the new reality.

August 6, 2025

50 Years of the Helsinki Final Act: A Compass in Turbulent Times

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) celebrated the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act with a series of high-profile events in Helsinki, featuring speeches by Finland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The historic pact, signed in 1975 amid the Cold War, is hailed by heads of state and government as a fundamental document for European security and cooperation. Despite serious challenges, particularly Russia's war against Ukraine, the continued relevance of the Helsinki principles was reaffirmed.

August 4, 2025

FPÖ Warns of Impending Gas Shortage and Dependence on the U.S.

The FPÖ is sounding the alarm and urgently warning the EU of an impending gas shortage that could be triggered by the Union's climate targets and possible supply stoppages from abroad. In a recent press release, the party once again describes EU climate policy as unrealistic and a threat to Europe's prosperity and competitiveness, warns against the U.S., and defends Russia.

August 3, 2025

UN Drug Policy in Peril: U.S. Cuts and Global Tensions Could Spark Global Crisis

International drug policy and the organization that implements it, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), are in the midst of an unprecedented crisis. A dramatic shift in U.S. policy under Donald Trump's “might makes right” approach, drastic funding cuts, and the unexpected departure of Executive Director Ghada Waly have undermined the United Nations' long-standing consensus-building mechanisms, casting doubt on the future of global drug control.

July 22, 2025 · Updated: July 23, 2025; 14:20

Andranik Hovhannisyan as Armenian Ambassador to Austria

His Excellency Andranik Hovhannisyan has been the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Republic of Austria for some time now. With an impressive career in the Armenian diplomatic service, Hovhannisyan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.

July 17, 2025

Austria Strengthens Security Partnerships with the United Kingdom and Germany

Austria has deepened its bilateral relations with the United Kingdom and Germany in a series of important security policy consultations. The high-level talks focused on current security policy challenges, strategic interests, and strengthening defense cooperation in a changing global environment.

July 15, 2025

Austria's Former Top EU General Brieger Urges Massive Increase in Military Preparedness

After three years at the helm of the European Union's Military Committee, former Austrian Chief of Staff Robert Brieger returns to Vienna and urges Europe, and Austria in particular, to drastically increase its defense readiness in light of the ongoing threat from Russia. Brieger calls for a paradigm shift—away from the Austrian Armed Forces as a disaster relief force and toward a combat-ready national defense army. A critical examination of Austrian neutrality is “inevitable” in this context.

July 14, 2025

OSCE Secretary General Sinirlioğlu in Paris on the Role of the OSCE in the European Security Architecture

At a time of growing international tensions, the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, concluded an official visit to Paris with talks with France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, on the crisis hotspots around Europe and the role of the OSCE.

July 9, 2025

Austria's Meinl-Reisinger Intensifies Middle East Diplomacy and Calls for De-Escalation and Two-State Solution

Austria has ramped up its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East over the last few days, while also massively increasing its humanitarian support for the suffering civilian population in Gaza. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) completed a trip lasting several days that took her to Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Ramallah in the Palestinian territories to promote de-escalation, a ceasefire, and a sustainable two-state solution.

July 3, 2025

Wiiw Forecast: CEEC Countries Defy Global Uncertainties with Strong Growth

Despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, U.S. President Trump's protectionist trade policy, and the war in Ukraine, the economies of most countries in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CEE) are expected to grow steadily in 2025 and 2026. This is according to the latest summer forecast by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw), which covers 23 countries in the region.

July 1, 2025

OSCE Annual Security Review Conference 2025 Calls for Cooperation and European Security

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has concluded its two-day Annual Security Review Conference (ASRC) in Vienna. This high-level conference served as a central platform to discuss the current security situation in the OSCE area and to assess the joint efforts of the 57 participating states to promote peace and stability.

June 27, 2025

Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Vienna for the First Time Since the Start of the War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is on his first official visit to Vienna since Russia launched its war of aggression in February 2022. Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena Zelenska, were welcomed by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, followed by a reception with military honors.

June 17, 2025

Timothy Snyder Sheds Light on Belarus: A Sold-Out Journey Through Past and Future

Renowned historian and publicist Timothy Snyder, IWM Lesya Ukrainka Permanent Fellow and Chair of Modern European History at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, will give a lecture on “Belarus: Ancient and Modern. A Reconsideration of a Central European History” at the Wien Museum on June 27, 2025. The event is already fully booked.

June 16, 2025

EU and UK Ambassadors to Austria Reaffirm Support for Ukraine

At the first EU-UK summit since Brexit in London, the European Union and the United Kingdom agreed on a comprehensive security and defense partnership. The meeting focused on joint support for Ukraine, and the respective ambassadors in Vienna proudly announced this partnership in Austria as well.

May 29, 2025

Commemoration, History and Geopolitics: Russia Marks the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Vienna

The Russian Federation commemorated Austria's liberation from National Socialism in 1945 with a series of ceremonial events in Vienna and several Lower Austrian cities, focusing on the 80th anniversary of the capture of Vienna by the Red Army, which had made a significant contribution to the defeat of the Nazi regime. The Embassy of the Russian Federation used the occasion to celebrate historical commemoration on the one hand, but also to anchor its foreign policy narrative in the present.

May 15, 2025

Wiiw Forecast: Central and Eastern Europe Remain on Solid Growth Path Despite Trump’s Tariffs

Despite mounting global trade tensions, Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) economies are set to maintain strong growth in 2025, according to the latest Spring Forecast published by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw). The report highlights the region’s resilience in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies and broader global uncertainties.

April 29, 2025

Russian Court of Appeal Confirms Billion-Dollar Fine Against Raiffeisen Subsidiary

A Russian appeals court in St. Petersburg has confirmed the decision of a court of first instance, according to which the Russian subsidiary of Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), AO Raiffeisenbank, must pay over two billion euros to the Cypriot company Rasperia Trading Limited. However, this could also mean two exemptions at the same time - and one of them in Austria.

April 24, 2025

Russian Espionage Affair in Austria: A Targeted Disinformation Campaign in the Heart of Europe

Austria is once again at the center of an espionage scandal: The Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN) has uncovered an extensive Russian disinformation campaign aimed at manipulating public opinion in favor of Russia and to the detriment of Ukraine.

March 24, 2025

Visit to Kyiv by Austrian Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Reaffirms Solidarity With Ukraine

Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger traveled to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, with a clear message of support. There, she met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other high-ranking government representatives to reaffirm Austria's solidarity and diplomatic long-term support in the fight against the Russian war of aggression.

March 17, 2025

Increasing Risk of Espionage for Austrian IT Companies

Austrian companies are increasingly being targeted by foreign intelligence services. According to a recent study by the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) in the Ministry of the Interior, which was carried out in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Austrian Industries, almost one in ten companies stated that they had already been the victim of espionage. The IT sector is particularly affected. Experts also assume that the number of unreported cases is high.

March 13, 2025

Russian Ambassador Lyubinsky Sharply Criticizes Austria

The Russian Ambassador to Austria, Dmitry Lyubinsky, delivered a speech before the members of the "Society for Friendship with Austria" (ROO). The event, originally intended to promote cultural and civil society exchange, turned into a sharp political reckoning with the Austrian government.

March 11, 2025

Progress and Deadlocks: 63rd Round of the Geneva International Discussions

The 63rd round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) took place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Under the leadership of the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the European Union (EU), representatives of various conflict parties gathered to discuss security issues and humanitarian concerns in the region. While some progress was made, key topics remained unresolved due to diplomatic tensions.

March 10, 2025

Alexander Schallenberg's Farewell from Politics: “There Can not be a Perpetrator-Victim Reversal”

After almost six years in government, Foreign Minister and two-time interim chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) is leaving the political stage. In a farewell interview, he talks about his time in office, the geopolitical challenges under Donald Trump, and his plans for the future.

March 4, 2025