Russian aggression against Ukraine is the greatest immediate threat to Europe, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said at a joint press conference with his Slovakian counterpart on Nov. 22, stressing the need for unity within the European Union, Ukrinform reported.
“The unity and cohesion of the European Union on this issue is our greatest achievement, our greatest asset. And I believe that we are doing everything right and we must work to ensure that this unity and cohesion is maintained in the future.”
Read also: Despite neutrality, Austria allows unhindered weapons transit to Ukraine – foreign minister
Europe and Ukraine want peace, but the one who started the war can end it quickly – Russia, specifically Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
“He (Putin) can end the war tomorrow. If he does that, the war will be over. If Ukraine stops fighting, then Ukraine is, let’s say, finished. And then Slovakia could suddenly have another neighbor,” Schallenberg said, adding that “there can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Read also: Austria opposes EU security guarantees for Ukraine
The West’s position in the world depends on its behavior in the context of the confrontation with Russia, because “we are being watched internationally”.
Earlier, Schallenberg called on Europe to adopt a so-called “pragmatic and sober” approach to foreign policy in order to secure its “future” and to allow Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to attend the 30th Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Skopje, North Macedonia, from Nov.30 – Dec. 1.
Earlier in October, he expressed hope that peace talks between Ukraine and Russia would take place “very soon”.
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine