Ukraine in Austria | Ukrainians in Vienna | Bilateral Relations

Austria and Ukraine - Read the latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, business, investment, diplomacy, culture and tourism

1,350 Ukrainian Displaced Persons Could be Accommodated by Private Apartments in Vienna

The residents of the city of Vienna already provided over 1,100 housing donations for Ukrainian aid seekers who had to flee from the war crimes committed by the Russian invaders. Thus, about 94% of Ukrainians could be accommodated in private shelters and facilitate the situation for public quarters.

April 21, 2022

Refugee Crisis in Poland: European Parliament Presidents Visit Refugee Reception Center in Poland

Poland receives nine European Parliament Presidents, among them also Austria's Federal Council President Christine Schwarz-Fuchs. Together they visited the Polish-Ukrainian border crossing in Dorohusk and the refugee reception center Lwowska as well as the Humanitarian Aid Centre Ptak near Warsaw.

April 21, 2022

Special Representatives of OSCE Chairman-in-Office Visit Council of Europe

Personal Representatives of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office for tolerance issues visited the Council of Europe. During this visit, meetings were held about Human Rights, Equality and Non-Discrimination. During the meetings, the representatives urged Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine.

April 21, 2022

Production of ID Cards for Displaced Ukrainians - 40,000 Copies Already Manufactured

The production of the ID card for displaced persons, continues to progress. So far, 40,000 cards have been produced for the 56,000 registered Ukrainian aid seekers and 30,000 have already been issued. This document is enormously important for war refugees in Austria, as it allows, among other things, access to the Austrian labor market, or internal travel within the EU.

April 14, 2022

Ukrainian Ambassador Khymynets Thanks Austrian Communities for Hosting Refugees

Ukrainian Ambassador Khymynets thanked Austrian communities for hosting refugees from Ukraine. Close cooperation between Austrian and Ukrainian communities is planned.

April 14, 2022

OSCE Publishes Report on Russian War Crimes in Ukraine

The OSCE recently presented a report in Vienna on the documentation of war crimes in Ukraine. A delegation of the OSCE saw "clear signs" of violations of international humanitarian law by the Russian aggressor. Detailed elaborations on individual events had not been possible, but some cases of human rights violations could be proven.

April 13, 2022

OSCE Troika Expressed Strong Support to Ukraine and Urges Russia to Stop its Invasion

Numerous states and organizations condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine. The OSCE Troika met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister and calls on Russia to halt its military aggression against Ukraine.

April 12, 2022

Russian Aggression Against Ukraine Provides Opportunity Against Climate Change

The Russian Invasion of Ukraine has challenged many old structures globally. One of those structures is the energy infrastructure of Europe. The Russian Aggression has put Europe in an energy crisis. This crisis could give momentum to combat climate change.

April 11, 2022

Vienna Presents Itself as a Bridge Builder: Austrian Chancellor to Meet Putin in Moscow

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer will meet Russian President Putin in Moscow for talks. It will be the first meeting of an EU head of government with Putin since the beginning of the war. After the recent expulsion of four Russian diplomats and in view of the current stalemate a daring but diplomatically sensible step.

April 10, 2022

IAEA on the Status of Ukraine's Nuclear Safety

The war in Ukraine threatens the country's nuclear security. Nuclear facilities are becoming the sites of battles with Russian forces. Even as Russian forces reorganize, the IAEA continues to express concern.

April 8, 2022

Russo-Ukrainian War - EU Adopts Fifth Sanctions Package to Put Pressure on Russia

Recently, new sanctions against the Russian state were published. The EU is trying to put economic pressure on the Kremlin and cut off the sources of financing for the invasion of Ukraine. What new measures are taken, you can read here.

April 8, 2022

How the Kremlin Exploits Its Diplomatic Missions in Vienna to Spread Russian Propaganda

Since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has used its diplomatic missions in Vienna and around the world to help spread propaganda and disinformation about the war. Read about this propaganda effort and view some blatant examples of Russian propaganda from the diplomatic missions.

April 6, 2022 · Updated: April 8, 2022; 15:46

UN Excludes Russia from Human Rights Council over Inhumane Crimes in Ukraine

After more and more details about crimes committed by the Russian Army against the Ukrainian population become public, the UN General Assembly is taking action. With a necessary two-thirds majority, the deputies voted for an exclusion from the Human Rights Council. This is not the first time something like this has happened.

April 8, 2022

G7 and OSCE Condemn Russian Aggression Against Ukraine

Since the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, many countries are enraged by Putin's actions. The Russian Aggression against Ukraine is ravaging the country. The G7 members strongly condemn Russia's actions. The OSCE expressed its concerns on many issues too.

April 7, 2022

Expulsion: Austria Declares Four Russian Diplomats as "Personae Non Gratae"

Now Austria is joining the trend of European sanctions against Russian diplomats, expelling three members of the Russian Embassy in Vienna and one member of the Russian Consulate General in Salzburg.

April 7, 2022

State Visit of the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins to Austria

The Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen received the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, for an official visit to Austria. The main topics of discussion are the Russian aggression in Ukraine and European security policy.

April 6, 2022

Europe's Energy Dilemma Requiring Austria and Germany to Rethink in Wake of Russian Aggression

Due to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Europe has to face new questions about energy policy, which had been known for many years but were largely ignored and deferred. The much-discussed gas embargo in recent weeks is to further intensify the sanctions against Russia and its economy. Read more about the current situation.

April 6, 2022

Russian Ambassador in Vienna Denies Massacre and Reaffirms Kremlin Propaganda

The Russian Ambassador to Austria, Dmitry Lyubinsky (57), has attracted attention in connection with allegations and statements regarding war crimes in Ukraine that are in abrupt contradiction to the realities as currently captured by the "Western" side. Among other things, His Excellency claimed that "Ukrainians are blowing up their own hospitals." Following the, within a few weeks, fourth summons to the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador only let it be known that "for my part, I have categorically rejected all unfounded accusations against the actions of the Russian armed forces and especially against the Russian government."

April 5, 2022

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

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

UNODC and OSCE Support Efforts Against Human Trafficking of Refugees in Ukraine

The Russian Invasion of Ukraine caused a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Many Ukrainians are fleeing the country and are becoming refugees in their neighboring countries. UNODC and OSCE recently showed concern about Human Trafficking and that Ukrainian refugees could become targets of traffickers.

March 29, 2022

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Ukrainian Embassy Building in Vienna

The Ukrainian Embassy in Vienna has a long and mixed history. In this article you will learn where it is located, who runs it, how it has developed over time and much more. Read on.

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

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

Austrian President Tells Brussels: EU Force and Zelenskyy Speech Conform with Neutrality

At meetings between the EU leaders and Alexander Van der Bellen, the President spoke about Austria's role as a neutral state in military and political matters. He saw no difficulties in inviting the Ukrainian president to Austria or in participating in the EU armed forces. The need for new energy suppliers and the current refugee problem were also discussed.

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

Belgian Heads of State Welcomed Austrian President and First Lady

Alexander Van der Bellen is currently on a state visit to Belgium. Besides a reception with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde the program included talks on the war in Ukraine and high energy prices with senior Belgian politicians and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

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

Russo-Ukrainian War: To Date, 14,500 Refugees Have Registered in Austria

The terrible war in Ukraine has provided an uninterrupted stream of people seeking refuge in recent weeks. Austrian authorities are doing their best to help. Now the Austrian Ministry of the Interior has published new figures.

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

Imran Khan Meets With Alexander Schallenberg in Pakistan

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan meets Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Pakistan. In addition to talks about Afghanistan, which is controlled by the Taliban, the war in Ukraine was also on the agenda. Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world that have so far not voiced criticism of Russia's crimes in Ukraine.

March 18, 2022