Russians and People of CIS Countries in Vienna | Russia in Austria

Austria and Russia - Latest cross-border activities between Austria and Russia and the 9 members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)

Russian Mission to the OSCE Blocks Ukraine Mandate for OSCE Observers

Russia has blocked the extension of the mandate for the international OSCE observers in Ukraine. The Russian Invasion of Ukraine has decisively changed the situation for the observers there.

April 5, 2022

How the Austrian Development Agency Assists in Post-Soviet Conflicts in the South Caucasus

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the South Caucasus states of Armenia and Georgia have been searching for a new political and social identity. The trend goes in the direction of Europe. The EU and Austria are standing by with support.

April 4, 2022

Threatened Former Soviet Republic of Moldova in Focus of Central European Foreign Policy

Moldavia is a country in eastern Europe, located in between Romania and Ukraine. Moldavia has had its troubles with Russia since the disputed Republic of Transnistria takes 50 percent of the land. Russia's invasion of Ukraine leads to a new perspective on security in Europe.

April 4, 2022

Austrian Chancellor Met Scholz and Habeck in Berlin: "Russian Energy Embargo Not an Issue"

Olaf Scholz and Karl Nehammer recently met in Berlin to discuss the tense political situation. The Russian Federation's attack on Ukraine triggered a chain reaction of economic sanctions. Germany and Austria stand side by side as partners and want to respond to the difficulties together.

April 4, 2022

Economic Outlook for Austria: The Kremlin's Aggression against Ukraine is a Game Changer

After a few tough years in which the Covid-19 virus shaped the Austrian economy, a new enormously important factor is coming into play - the war in Ukraine. The Russian aggression led to more pessimistic economic outlook and will still play an enormous factor in the Austrian market in the future.

April 4, 2022

Security in the Western Balkans: North Macedonia's EU Accession as Stronghold against Putin's Aggression

North Macedonia is one of the prospective countries to enter the European Union. Austrian Minister of European Affairs Karoline Edtstadler visited the country and met with Head of Government Dimitar Kovačevski for talks.

April 1, 2022

Melitopol Mayor Previously Kidnapped by Russians in Vienna

The mayor of Melitopol, Ivan Fedorov, who was kidnapped two weeks ago, accepted an invitation to the Vienna City Hall. The topic of conversation was aid for the Ukrainian civilian population.

April 1, 2022

Effects of the Ukraine War and Perspectives for the Western Balkans from an Austrian Perspective

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many European countries have been asking themselves security questions related to the immediate neighborhood of the European Union. For Austria, the main question is about its southern neighbors, the Western Balkans.

March 31, 2022

Israel and Austria Move Closer Together: Strategic Partnership Agreement in Preparation

The strengthening of bilateral relations and common economic interests prompted Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Economics Minister Schramböck to visit Israel. The invasion of Russian troops in Ukraine as well as talks on the normalization process between Israel and several Arab states were on the agenda.

March 31, 2022

IAEA Director Traveled to Ukraine Regarding Nuclear Safety

Ukraine is ravaged by war and the Russian Invasion threatens due to the fighting the nuclear safety in the eastern European country. IAEA Director-General, Rafael Mariano Grossi, traveled to Ukraine for talks with senior government officials on the planned assistance by IAEA to ensure the safety and security of the country’s nuclear facilities.

March 31, 2022

Space Diplomacy: The Annual Session of the COPUOS Legal Subcommittee

Space is an important future avenue for exploration, research, and commerce. This makes it all the more important for the nations of the world to negotiate these unlimited possibilities and to work out cooperation through diplomatic channels. One of them is the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) of the United Nations Office on Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). The COPUOS organizes a Legal Subcommittee which is held this week.

March 30, 2022

NATO and EU Military Committee Meet Regarding Western Balkans

A joint meeting of the NATO Military Committee and the European Union Military Committee was held to discuss the current security situation in the Western Balkans as well as the EU's ongoing Operation Althea. In the context of the Russian military aggression on Ukraine, stability in the Balkans increases in importance.

March 29, 2022

Russo-Ukrainian War: Charity Concert in Vienna with Message from Zelenskyy

More than 100,000 people came together to show solidarity with the victims of the war in Ukraine. In addition to performances by well-known Austrian bands, a video message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was shown, in which he addressed all the people who stand by Ukraine in such difficult times. At the benefit concert with free admission, donations were collected under the motto "YesWeCare".

March 28, 2022 · Updated: March 29, 2022; 12:32

Nehammer at EU Summit: Russia Sanctions and Western Balkans Support

The EU summit, which was also attended by U.S. President Joe Biden, focused on the political crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Austrian chancellor Karl Nehammer attended the European Council too and expressed the importance of stability in the Balkans. Read about the European Council and the chancellor's visit to Brussels.

March 28, 2022

Ukraine Refugees in Austria: ID Card and IT Infrastructure for Registration and Data Collection Now Ready

Currently, thousands of Ukrainians seeking refuge are coming to Austria to escape the horrors of the war. In order to stay and work here, they need to register at the police, which recently received new registration modules. These are intended to contribute to the quick and easy registration of persons arriving in Austria who are looking for help.

March 28, 2022

IAEA and the Nuclear Safety in Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine raises issues about nuclear safety. After several wildfires around the Chernobyl nuclear ruins, possible shelling by Russian forces in the vicinity is now leading to new concerns about the safety of the infamous nuclear power plant. The IAEA expressed its concerns and demands for an agreed framework to provide assistance.

March 25, 2022

Ukraine's Displaced Children: 70,000 Have Already Crossed into Austria

The war in Ukraine is causing inhuman suffering and despair - especially among children. More than half of the Ukrainian children are considered displaced and many of them also found their way to Austria. If you want to learn more details about the current challenges, please read on.

March 25, 2022

Austria Kicks Off Detachment Process from 80 Percent Dependence on Russian Gas

In order to no longer be dependent on Russian gas imports, the Austrian federal government decided on a new stockpiling of natural gas. This is to provide for the case of an import stop from Russia. Despite the high level of approval, the proposal has nevertheless come in for criticism.

March 25, 2022

U.S. Ambassador to OSCE Urges Kremlin to "end it now, save the lives of your own soldiers"

The U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE Michael Carpenter urges the Kremlin to end the senseless war in Ukraine and condemned the aggressive tactics of Russia's armed forces in Ukraine.

March 24, 2022

Austria for a Strategic Orientation of the EU Towards a Common Army and Away from Coal, Oil and Gas

The Russian attack on Ukraine shook Europe and opened many new and old political questions in the European Union and Austria.

March 24, 2022

The Impact of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on the Nuclear Talks in Vienna

In the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine new issues emerged in the negotiations for the revival of the JCPOA in Vienna. For the West and Iran, it is important to re-establish the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, despite Russia's diversionary tactics.

March 24, 2022

OSCE Condemns Russian Aggression on Mariupol and Ukraine

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office Zbigniew Rau and Secretary-General Helga Maria Schmid condemned the ongoing violence that Russian forces committed in Ukraine and the city of Mariupol. Meanwhile Russia's ambassador to the United Nations has denied that Russia was involved in the attack on a theatre in besieged Mariupol.

March 23, 2022

The Battle For Mariupol: Why Does It Matter to Putin?

Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the military tactics are ravaging Ukraine. The Russian troops besiege Mariupol and are causing a humanitarian crisis. Mariupol is key for the Russian invasion and the advancing Russian military wants to seize the city at all costs.

March 23, 2022

Neutrality: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy May Now Be Able to Address the Austrian National Council After All

The ongoing debate on Austrian neutrality will maybe allow Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to speak to Austrian parliamentarians.

March 23, 2022

Putin's Aggression Against Ukraine as a Trigger for the Flare-up of the Austrian Neutrality Debate

Russia's fabricated pretext for war, Russian use of disinformation to distract and deflect responsibility and eventually Russia's invasion of Ukraine could become the turning point for Austria's security policy. Parliamentary groups discussed Austria's position in the field of tension between neutrality, NATO accession and the EU army.

March 23, 2022

Austrian Federal President: "We stand with Ukraine"

Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen, as a special guest of honor, visited a charity event on the weekend and gave a speech about the current situation in Ukraine.

March 21, 2022

The Ukraine Invasion and India: Schallenberg in New Delhi

Foreign Minister Schallenberg visited India to hold talks in the capital New Delhi. In addition to other regional and international security policy topics of discussion, the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine will be the main topic.

March 21, 2022

Western Balkans Trip for New Momentum against Destabilization by Russia and China

The Balkans were plagued by war 30 years ago. When Yugoslavia collapsed, the first war in Europe after World War II occurred. A policy of stability in this region is particularly important, especially in the backdrop of the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. Recently Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer as well as many other European politicians have traveled to the Balkan states to talk to the most important politicians and dignitaries. The EU and the U.S. have long been the central players in the Western Balkans and want to counter Russia's and China's influence in the region.

March 18, 2022

Ukraine Nuclear Power Plants Still Under Control of Russian Forces But Safety Systems Fully Functional IAEA Says

Ukraine's Nuclear Power Plants Zaporizhzhya and Chernobyl are still under Russian control, but regulator said, that the Ukrainian staff continued to operate the plants. In the case of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, staff have not been able to rotate for more than three weeks.

March 18, 2022

Austria's Raiffeisen Bank Now Considering Russia and Ukraine Exit After All

Raiffeisen Bank International is considering withdrawing from Russia. The enormous civil suffering in Ukraine caused by Russia's war of aggression had led the management to this decision. This step is not taken easy, since Russia counts as one of the key areas of the Austrian bank.

March 18, 2022

Putin's War Forces OMV to Make Most Fundamental Strategic Shift in Its History

Russia's aggression toward Ukraine is forcing OMV, the Austrian oil, gas and petrochemical group to take drastic measures. The company's management decided to stop all investment activities in Russia and to rely on alternative suppliers in the future. OMV thus joins many other companies that are slowly turning their backs on the Russian market.

March 17, 2022

Ukrainian Ambassador in Vienna: "We need humanitarian assistance"

The war in Ukraine has been going on for several weeks and the humanitarian crisis is a new challenge for Europe. The Ukrainian Ambassador to Austria, Vasyl Khymynets, met with the Governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, and Provincial Councilor Martin Eichtinger for talks at the Palais Niederösterreich in Vienna. The discussion focused on Russia's violations of human rights and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

March 17, 2022

How Austria Is Supporting Ukrainian Refugees: Right of Residence and Relief Supplies

In Europe, an ever-increasing migration movement from Ukraine is becoming noticeable. The government of Austria decided to take several measures to help the fleeing people of Ukraine. Learn more about Austria's assistance.

March 16, 2022

Nuclear Safety and Security in Ukraine: Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Largely Out of Danger Again

According to the Vienna-based Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Chernobyl nuclear power plant has been reconnected to Ukraine's national power grid and no longer relies on emergency diesel generators. However, the nuclear plant and its employees have been in Russian control since it was captured by Russian units and continue to be cut off from the outside world.

March 16, 2022

OMV Subsidiary Borealis Declines Offer from Russia’s EuroChem for Fertilizer Business

The planned sale of the Linz-based fertilizer division of OMV chemicals subsidiary Borealis to Russian-Swiss group EuroChem has been canceled. According to a press release, Borealis has decided to reject EuroChem's offer.

March 14, 2022

Olaf Scholz Met Van der Bellen: "One Must Remain in Dialogue with Putin"

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Austrian President Van der Bellen exchanged views on bilateral and European policy issues and the Russian attack on Ukraine.

March 14, 2022

Energy Supply: Liquefied Natural Gas from Qatar, Instead of Pipeline Gas from Russia

Chancellor Nehammer visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar with the intention of lessening Austria's dependency on Russian natural gas for energy. Read about the chancellor's visit and how liquefied natural gas could help solve this issue.

March 11, 2022

Austrian Minister for Europe for Reassessment of EU Defense and Security Architecture

At a meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in France, the Austrian Minister for Europe, Karoline Edtstadler, called for a reassessment of the EU Defense and Security Architecture. Read what Minister Edtstadler said about this and Ukrainian accession to the EU.

March 10, 2022

Schallenberg in Brussels Condemns Playing with Nuclear Fire

At a special meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Foreign Minister Schallenberg condemned the Russian shelling of a nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Read more about this special meeting and what was discussed there.

March 10, 2022

War in Ukraine: Athens Seeks Talks in Vienna

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias visited Vienna to discuss the intensifying war between Russia and Ukraine. Read about his meetings with various officials and watch the joint press conference with Foreign Minister Schallenberg.

March 10, 2022

How Russian State-Controlled Media Use Disinformation Campaigns to Influence Democratic Processes in Austria and Beyond

Russia uses its state-controlled media outlets to help push disinformation campaigns in Austria and around the world. Read how the Kremlin spreads disinformation through the media.

March 9, 2022

How Gazprom Helps the Kremlin to Manipulate Austria

The Russian government uses the majority state-owned energy corporation Gazprom to exploit Europe's dependency on Russian natural gas, and Austria is no exception. Read how the Kremlin uses Gazprom to influence Austria.

March 8, 2022

Asset Management: Impact of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on Stock Markets

By invading Ukraine, Russia has created a humanitarian crisis. At a time when heart-wrenching news footage reminds us daily that innocent people are losing their lives, discussing the market implications of such devastation can feel unseemly. The most important thing investors can do during a crisis is to simply not panic. Stock market history supports this assertion. The author examined the major geopolitical events since World War II and found that on average the Dow Jones Industrial Average was 16.40% higher 1 year later and 32.7% higher 2 years later.

March 8, 2022

How Many Refugees Have Fled Ukraine to Austria?

Austria will help its neighboring countries cope with the expected influx from Ukraine following the Russian military attack by accepting Ukrainian refugees despite its generally restrictive migration policy. Please find below questions and answers regarding entry and stay of Ukrainian citizens in Austria.

March 3, 2022

Ukraine Invasion: Austria Demands Compliance with Humanitarian Law and the Securing of Civilian Corridors

Austria is demanding that Russia comply with humanitarian law and create secure corridors for civilians to leave Ukraine and international organizations to send aid in. Read what Chancellor Nehammer and Foreign Minister Schallenberg said about this and watch their joint press conference.

March 3, 2022

IAEA Board of Governors Emergency Meeting Condemns Unprovoked Attacks Against Ukraine

At an emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors, the Board condemned the unprovoked attacks against Ukraine and discussed the status of the nuclear safeguards in Ukraine. Read more about the Board's meeting and the current situation regarding Ukraine's nuclear power plants.

March 3, 2022

UNHCR: One Million Refugees Have Fled Ukraine in a Week

In just seven days, one million people have fled Ukraine, uprooted by this senseless war.

March 3, 2022

Russia-friendly Austria Breaks with its Neutrality: "Enough is Enough"

Neutral and traditionally pro-Russia Austria is forced to break with its neutrality and take a clear stand against Putin because of his war of aggression against Ukraine.

March 2, 2022

UN General Assembly: 141 States Condemn Russian Aggression and Rights Violations against Ukraine

By a large majority, the UN General Assembly has condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine. 141 states voted in favor of a resolution to this effect and demanded Russia's withdrawal from the country. Austria was represented by its UN Ambassador.

March 2, 2022

Ukraine Invasion: Austria Also Possesses a "Willkommenskultur"

Austria is already preparing to receive Ukrainian refugees fleeing the violent Russian invasion of Ukraine. The people of Austria have a chance to once again display their "Wilkommenskultur" ("welcoming culture") and welcome those fleeing the brutal conflict into their country with open arms. Read what Vienna is currently doing to help welcome the refugees.

March 2, 2022