Austria refuses to help Ukraine demine territories during the war
This is how it allegedly maintains its neutrality
Austrian Defense Minister Claudia Tanner said that Austria could help Ukraine demine its territories only after the war is over, "possibly together with the Red Cross".
Source. This was reported by Polish Radio with reference to the Kronen Zeitung.
As Tanner explains, post-war aid is dictated by the need to preserve Austria's neutrality.
"Mine clearance during the war is against constitutional law," she explained.
But Helmut Brandstetter, foreign policy spokesman for the liberal NEOS party, believes that it is "too late, we have to help now," he said.
Ukraine appealed for help to Austria a few days ago, with Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg promising support.
Ukraine's Ambassador to Vienna, Vasyl Chymenets, also asked for help.
"Please do not hesitate. No one can say how long the war will last," the ambassador said.
"Austria's (neutrality) will not be jeopardized. The territories in Ukraine are purely civilian, so we are talking about protecting the population, not the army," he emphasized.
"Even lawyers do not see a problem with neutrality during the demining of civilian areas," adds Kronen Zeitung.
Background. As reported earlier, Ukraine is counting on Austria's assistance in rebuilding infrastructure and humanitarian demining.
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