In Vienna, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held both a one-on-one meeting and an extended-format discussion with Federal Chancellor of Austria Christian Stocker.
“We are grateful for your support since the very beginning of Russia’s aggression – for the humanitarian assistance and, most importantly, for standing with our people. I want to thank all Austrian citizens for the warmth and genuine humanity they show toward our forcibly displaced persons who stay here today, far from their homeland,” the Head of State said ahead of the meeting.
President Zelenskyy and Chancellor Stocker discussed diplomatic efforts to end the war and the need to apply pressure on Russia, particularly through reinforced sanctions.
“Austria supports all initiatives aimed at achieving a ceasefire, and ultimately a durable, long-term, and just peace. Russia is being urged to finally come to the negotiating table. To achieve this, we must continue to increase the pressure together with our partners,” Christian Stocker emphasized.
Special attention was devoted to Austria’s support for Ukrainian children – primarily its mediation in returning young Ukrainians abducted by Russia, as well as its assistance in building school shelters and improving school nutrition.
The parties also discussed cooperation between Ukraine and Austria in the field of justice – particularly regarding former Ukrainian officials and oligarchs hiding in Europe, including in Austria.
“Austria’s support at the EU level is vital for us. Ukraine deserves to become a full member of the European Union and is fulfilling all necessary conditions,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy added.
The parties also touched on economic cooperation, increased investment, the launch of joint ventures, and the involvement of Austrian companies in Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
“Austrian companies are ready to play an important role in the reconstruction thanks to their experience, expertise, innovation, and long-term commitments,” said the Chancellor.
In the presence of the President of Ukraine and the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko, and Austria’s Minister for Economy, Energy, and Tourism Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer signed a declaration on deepening Ukrainian-Austrian economic cooperation. The declaration outlines expanded cooperation, increased investment, and support for Ukraine’s sustainable economic recovery and development with the involvement of Austrian businesses.
