The Kiev diplomat suggests emulating Austria and Finland in relations with the Russian Federation
The Austrian population is dissatisfied with the tension in relations between Russia and the West and views their country as a “bridge” between the Russian Federation and the European Union.
Ukrainian diplomat and former director of the EU Integration Department at the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Vasyl Filipchuk stated this on the NewsOne television channel, as reported by a PolitNavigator correspondent.
According to him, the example of neutral Austria and Finland shows that countries can pursue an independent policy and beneficial relationships with Russia, despite geopolitical blackmail.
“I’ve been to Vienna many times lately at various events. There is open dissatisfaction with the current state of relations between the West and Russia, and the Austrians see themselves to a certain extent as a bridge that can unite Russia and the West, a certain channel for communication and dialogue,” the diplomat said.
“Vienna was considered, by the way, as one of two possible places for a meeting between Trump and Putin,” Filipchuk added. “We chose Helsinki, but Austria and Finland are two such leading countries that show that in this way of neutrality and restrained positive relations with Russia you can achieve your goals, you can preserve sovereignty, you can develop economic relations without succumbing to geopolitical blackmail,” – said Filipchuk.
Earlier, the head of the Austrian Foreign Ministry stated that the sanctions imposed by the European Union against Russia did not have the desired impact on the Russian economy.
And renowned Ukrainian journalist and TV presenter Dmitry Gordon called European leaders impotent because they don't shy away from inviting and visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Kyiv diplomat suggests emulating Austria and Finland in relations with Russia