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From Foreign Minister to Tiger Ambassador: Karin Kneissl's Unusual Career in Russia
Karin Kneissl, the former Austrian Foreign Minister, has taken on a new and, at first glance, unexpected role in Russia: She has been appointed official ambassador for the protection of the endangered Amur tiger. This extraordinary career move shows how deep her connection to Russia, and in particular to Vladimir Putin, has become. Her relationship with Russia and Putin has been at the center of international attention for years and has attracted both admiration and criticism.
September 5, 2024
Ukraine's Kursk Offensive Assessed by Colonel Markus Reisner: A Risky Strategy with Far-Reaching Consequences
The recent Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, assessed by Colonel Markus Reisner of the Austrian Armed Forces, represents a bold but risky strategy that could have a profound impact on the course of the conflict and the future geopolitical situation.
August 16, 2024
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Opposes Boycott of Hungary's EU Presidency
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has firmly opposed a boycott of Hungary's EU Presidency, despite the controversial solo actions of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who recently traveled to Moscow without an EU mandate. Schallenberg emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional working relationship within the EU.
July 10, 2024
Moscow Announces Enhanced Revision of its Nuclear Doctrine
Russia's nuclear doctrine, particularly concerning its large arsenal of non-strategic nuclear weapons (NSNW), has become one of the most pressing issues in Euro-Atlantic security. Russia is planning to revise its nuclear doctrine, the Russian Foreign Ministry has announced. This decision is of course being made against the backdrop of the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and the reactions of the West.
June 18, 2024
Diplomatic Collisions on the Nuclear Front: Global Nervousness over Russia's Nuclear Maneuvers
Increasing tensions and recent developments regarding nuclear exercises and rhetoric pose a number of challenges for Europe, European security and especially Austria as the home of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).
May 6, 2024
Elections in Russia Also Held in Vienna: Between Protest and Farce
In Vienna, there were unusually long queues outside the Russian embassy as numerous young Russians lined up, sometimes for hours, to take part in the presidential election. However, their efforts were in vain as Vladimir Putin secured the elections in Russia, which were deemed neither fair nor honest internationally.
March 18, 2024
Escalation after Navalny's Death: Diplomatic Aftermath Between Austria and Russia
The death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has not only caused international outrage but has also led to a diplomatic dispute between Austria and Russia. An investigation into Navalny's death amidst unjust imprisonment has been also requested by the OSCE in Vienna.
February 20, 2024
International Observers: Lack of Political Alternatives in Presidential Elections in Azerbaijan
International observers have found that the early presidential election in Azerbaijan lacked genuine political pluralism due to a restrictive environment. Russia has sharply criticized the OSCE mission for its lack of understanding of election monitoring.
February 11, 2024
Russia Refuses OSCE Observer's Invitation to Presidential Elections
The Russian Federation's decision not to invite observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to the upcoming presidential elections has been met with deep regret by the leaders of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA).
February 11, 2024
European Dissonance at OSCE Meeting in Skopje: Meeting between Schallenberg and Lavrov
At the annual meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Skopje, a growing dissent among European states regarding the Ukraine crisis was revealed. While several EU states, including Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic states, boycotted the meeting in protest against the participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, bilateral talks were held between him and several EU foreign ministers, including Austria's Alexander Schallenberg.
November 30, 2023
Potential Consequences of a Russian Nuclear Test
In a recent development, Russia is on the brink of withdrawing its support for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). This decision has sparked intense discussions about the potential for Russia to conduct a nuclear test, creating significant ripples in the global security landscape. The prospect of Russia conducting such a test has prompted deep concerns among experts and policymakers.
October 17, 2023
Russia Reconsiders Nuclear Weapons Test Ban: CTBTO Expresses Concerns
In a recent development, Russia is preparing to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). However, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, Russia will only conduct a nuclear test if the United States does likewise. Russia signed the CTBT in 1996 and ratified it in 2000.
October 10, 2023
Austria Takes Position Against Russian Wagner Group
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Austrian National Council in Parliament has unanimously supported an initiative against the activities of the Russian Wagner Group. This follows allegations that the group is involved in human rights abuses and war crimes in Ukraine and other countries. The committee calls for Austria to take action with European partners to limit the group's influence and global presence.
October 5, 2023
Possible Spy Ring: Ex-Wirecard Manager and Suspected Russian Spies on Trial
British investigators suspect that former Wirecard manager and Austrian Jan Marsalek was involved in a spy network acting for Russia. This information became known through a communication from the British public prosecutor's office and was later reported by BBC and "Spiegel".
September 26, 2023
Austria's Former Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl: From Lebanon to St. Petersburg - with Ponies in her Luggage
Karin Kneissl, the former Austrian foreign minister, has become a major figure on the international stage in recent years. Her latest move has now seen her relocate to Russia, more precisely to St. Petersburg.
September 12, 2023
Danube Ports in Ukraine in Focus of Russian Attacks
International tensions over Ukraine are having an increasing impact on Danube ports in the region. The Vienna-based International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) expressed concern about repeated Russian aggression against Ukrainian ports along the river, particularly in Reni and Izmail.
September 3, 2023
Ukraine Secures Grain Export through Croatian Adriatic Ports
Ukraine has reached an agreement with Croatia to export grain through ports on the Adriatic Sea. The agricultural goods are to be shipped to Croatia via the Danube and from there they will be transported further to the Adriatic coast.
August 1, 2023
Russia and Ukraine Accuse Each Other of Sabotage at Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant
Kyiv and Moscow have voiced accusations against each other regarding possible acts of sabotage at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. The Kremlin described the situation as tense, while Ukraine again accused Russia of planting explosive devices at the nuclear plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency also continues to express concern.
July 5, 2023
OPEC+ Surprisingly Cuts Oil Production
The OPEC+ alliance has announced a surprise cut in oil production. There will probably be a reduction of about one million barrels per day from May onward.
April 3, 2023
OSCE Will Investigate Allegations Against Russia on Child Abductions
The abduction of Ukrainian children in the wake of Russia's war of aggression is to be investigated within the framework of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
March 30, 2023
FPÖ-Uproar over Planed Zelenskyy Speech in the Austrian Parliament
A virtual speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled for March 30 in the Austrian parliament. In the run-up to the event, the Austrian party with good relations with the Kremlin, the FPÖ, has voiced sharp criticism.
March 26, 2023
FPÖ-Russia Relations After a Year of War in Ukraine
Traditionally close to the Kremlin, Austria's Freedom Party is currently part of a thriller in parliament. Its party finances and any contracts with the Russian party United Russia are still not largely known, even after a year of war in Ukraine.
February 22, 2023
OSCE Condemns Russia’s Decision to Outlaw Independent News Outlet Meduza
Moscow continues its campaign against opposition Russian media with unabated vigor. The Riga-based web portal "Meduza" is banned completely in Russia. The OSCE denounced the Russian authorities’ decision to outlaw one of the most popular Russian-language news portals.
January 31, 2023
Austria's Connection to Pegasus Spyware
Governments of EU member states have used spyware against their citizens for political purposes, according to a draft report by the European Parliament's Committee of Inquiry (PEGA) published today in Brussels. European Union member states are widely using the controversial Pegasus spy software. Corresponding indications exist for Poland, Hungary, Greece, Cyprus and Spain, it said. There are also links to Austria.
November 10, 2022
Forgotten Russian Attack on Georgia: 14 Years After the August War
The 2008 Russo-Georgian War was a military conflict in the South Caucasus between Georgia on the one side and Russia and the internationally unrecognized Russian-backed republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia on the other. The Caucasus conflict had a major impact on the relationship between the EU and the USA and Russia. At the time, Russia seized the breakaway Georgian republics. 14 years later, Russia has attacked Ukraine and may have similar goals.
August 8, 2022
Ukrainian Ambassador Criticises Austrian Police
The Ukrainian ambassador, Vasyl Khymynets, recently criticised the Austrian police. The police had previously held an internal training event on the subject of Ukraine. Among others, the "Coordination Council of the Organisation of Russian Compatriots" was invited to the event, which played down the war and spread "Russian propaganda". The Ukrainian Embassy is outraged. Read on if you want to learn more about this exciting topic!
August 3, 2022
Weekly Briefing: Diplomacy and State Visits in Vienna
Read about the newest developments in Diplomacy in Vienna and Austria. The Dutch Royal Couple visited Austria and International Organizations in Vienna released important publications. The consequences of the Russo-Ukrainian War are making themselves felt in security issues and are changing people's lives in Vienna as well. Further, the newest developments in the Iran Nuclear talks raise hopes. The Find out more about this week's developments.
June 30, 2022
Fear of Moldova Being Next on Russia's Hit List
The Russian Invasion of Ukraine is also frightening for other Eastern-European countries. One of them has its own troubles, with the gone rogue territory of Transnistria, highly influenced by the Kremlin, namely Moldova.
June 30, 2022
Moody's Declares Russia in Default
The U.S. company Moody’s announced in New York that it was concerned with interest payments on two government bonds that had not been received by creditors even after a default period of 30 days had expired.
June 28, 2022
Pro-Russian Authorities in Kherson Want to Ask Russia For Annexation
Russia accomplished in its war efforts in Ukraine to occupy Kherson. The pro-Russian authorities, installed by the Kremlin, in occupied Kherson plan to ask for the southern Ukrainian region's incorporation into Russia.
May 11, 2022
Why May 9 Is Important For Russia: Putin Tries to Justify War in Ukraine
Russia today celebrates the Day of Victory over Fascism. For Russia, this holiday is a national sanctuary, for Putin's Russia the most important day for propaganda. Read more about May 9 and its importance for Russia?
May 9, 2022
Nehammer's Résumé After Kremlin Visit: "Even the Smallest Success Counts When it Comes to Peace"
Karl Nehammer's controversial visit to Russian President Putin is over. Now the Austrian chancellor commented on the open conversation and explained his motives for the visit. Although the meeting will not have any direct consequences, Nehammer is nevertheless satisfied with his move and takes positive stock of the situation.
April 12, 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
Austrian Parliamentary Delegation Visits India, which Maintains a Special Strategic Partnership with Russia
India received an Austrian delegation to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. Among other things, the delegation discussed the conflict in Ukraine and the hesitant attitude of the Indian government, which has so far not openly opposed the Kremlin.
March 17, 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
Belarus Celebrates 30-Year Anniversary at OSCE While Number of Political Prisoners at Home Has Now Reached 1000
As the Republic of Belarus celebrates its 30th anniversary at the OSCE in Vienna, the number of political prisoners in Belarus has now reached 1000. Although Belarus claims to be a long-standing, active, and committed member, the European Commission's External Action Service notes that Belarus "must adhere to its international commitments and obligations within the OSCE". Meanwhile, it became known that a troop deployment of 30,000 Russian soldiers to Belarus has also taken place.
February 4, 2022
Russian Arms Control Delegation in Vienna: Contradictions Related to U.S. Social Media Account Outages
According to reports by Russian news agencies TASS and RT, the Facebook account of the Russian Arms Control Delegation, a division of the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the OSCE in Vienna, was blocked last Friday and unblocked on Monday, after intervention by Russia's telecommunications watchdog Roskomnadzor. A fact check of the relevant Russian media reports reveals a tangle of allegations and exaggerations.
January 19, 2022
Russian Diplomatic Representatives in Vienna Commemorated the Day of the Unknown Soldier
Wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to the Soviet soldier at the Aspern cemetery in Vienna coincided with the Russian Day of the Unknown Soldier, annually celebrated in Russia in memory of Russian and Soviet soldiers who died in hostilities.
January 13, 2022
Austria Offers to Build Bridges in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
In the EU Main Committee in the Austrian Parliament, Chancellor Nehammer offered for Austria to be a "bridge-builder" in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Read about the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine and Austria's efforts at de-escalation.
December 14, 2021
Austria Expels Russian Diplomat, Russia Reacts and Expels Austrian Diplomat
After the Austrian Foreign Ministry had declared a Russian diplomat an undesirable person in connection with accusations of espionage, Russia has now reacted by deporting an Austrian diplomat.
August 24, 2020
How do Russian Politicians and Oligarchs Withdraw their Money from Austria?
The Russian money nobility has begun to repatriate large amounts of its western-hoarded money back to Russia in order to deprive it of access by Western authorities. The countries of origin are above all Switzerland, but also Austria and Great Britain. Sberbank, Russia's largest and state-owned bank, speaks of an atypically high capital inflow to Russia. Within a few weeks, a tripling of such repatriation transactions took place compared to the same period of the previous year. The sum is hundreds of millions of dollars. The average transfer amount has increased within a year by 50% to 3 million dollars. This meets with the Kremlin's desire to repatriate Russian assets.
February 22, 2018
Russia Orders Agricultural Import Bans in Sanction Retaliation
Vladimir Putin signed a decree limiting or banning imports of agricultural products from countries which have imposed sanctions on Russia, the Kremlin's press service announced. It is estimated that following CEE/SEE countries will be hit by the retaliatory sanctions: Romania, Serbia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Brussels, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
August 6, 2014