Austrian Ambassador Arad Benko: Peace talks must not take place without Ukraine's involvement.

In an interview with RBC-Ukraine, the Austrian Ambassador to Ukraine, Arad Benko, discussed how coalition dynamics may influence Austria's policy towards Ukraine, Vienna's vision for peace negotiations regarding Ukraine, European involvement in these negotiations, assistance from Austria, and the situation of Ukrainian refugees.

Unlike most of its neighboring countries, Austria is not a NATO member, although it is part of the European Union. "We are militarily neutral, but not politically. Politically, we stand with Ukraine alongside our European partners in the EU," insists Arad Benko, Austria's extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador in Kyiv, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine. The diplomat goes on to elaborate on the specific types of assistance his country, various cities, and organizations provide to Ukraine: humanitarian, economic, and financial aid.

Furthermore, as Benko assures, Austria will continue to support Ukraine even after a new government is formed, which has already taken several months.

During the conversation, RBC-Ukraine also touched upon a key international topic of recent weeks – negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. "Both Ukraine and the European Union must participate in the negotiations," says Benko, adding that his country, due to its neutrality, is ready to serve as a venue for any negotiations.

– What should Ukraine expect from coalition negotiations in Austria? Do you see any dangers for Ukraine?

– Austria has supported Ukraine with full solidarity since February 24, 2022. And we will continue to do so. Of course, I do not know what the exact foreign policy of the new government will be, but there is a pro-European understanding in Austria that is shared by the majority of Austrians.

Austria derives many benefits from the European Union. Austria votes on foreign policy matters in line with national interests and in a pro-European spirit. Overall, I do not foresee any fluctuations in our policy towards Ukraine. It is also clear that the majority of society supports Ukraine, which is an obvious victim in the unprovoked war waged by Russia against Ukraine.

– So, overall, Austria's policy under a potential new government will largely remain the same, consistent, right?

– The foundations of Austria's foreign policy are based on fundamental values of democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. International law and the UN Charter are the basis of our international activities, and we will continue to unequivocally advocate for a rules-based international order. And this certainly applies to Russian military aggression against Ukraine as well.

– Previously, Hungary has been a source of constant dissatisfaction with any pro-Ukrainian steps taken by the EU. Now Slovakia has joined in. Is there a risk that Austria might become the third member of this club?

– Certainly, Austria has a long common history with Hungary and Slovakia, but there are several reasons that make comparisons difficult. Firstly, we are a federal state, which means our provinces – the states – also have significant powers. Secondly, social cooperation. We have very strong interest groups that seek a balance between employers and employees, successfully promoting social peace in Austria.

Despite polarization in Europe and other countries, they continue to work very well together. Thus, the regional dimension and social partnership provide stability to the system. Moreover, we are net contributors to the EU and have a very good understanding of how to negotiate responsible policies and advocate for them in Brussels.

– How actively was the topic of the Russian-Ukrainian war discussed in Austria in the media, among people, and politicians during the parliamentary election campaign?

– All parties in parliament agree that Russia is the aggressor. And that Ukraine was invaded in the course of a full-scale war that is in no way justified.

The topic of Russia's war against Ukraine was not very prominent in the election campaign, as the focus was on social issues, high inflation, and, as a result, the loss of citizens' purchasing power, illegal migration, or problems in the healthcare sector.

– How does Austria view the prospects of any peace negotiations?

– It is clear to us that peace negotiations should not happen without Ukraine or behind its back.

It is evident that Ukraine is bravely fighting for its independence. No one expected that nearly three years later we would still be able to sit in a democratic Ukraine. And that is our basis, our guideline, that Ukraine must decide when the time is right for compromises. And compromises are always very painful.

Our position is, of course, that we respect Ukraine's full sovereignty and territorial integrity within its borders as of 1991. But of course, we must also consider the reality, the situation on the ground, and what death and destruction mean for many families on the front lines, in central Ukraine, and even abroad: loss of life, loss of property, loss of prospects.

We have a political commitment to support Ukraine for as long as necessary. And we have spent nearly 300 million euros on bilateral assistance – humanitarian, economic, and financial.

– But not military, right?

– Not military. Let me emphasize that we are militarily neutral, but not politically. Politically, we stand with Ukraine alongside our European partners in the EU.

– President Zelensky recently stated that Ukraine is closer to peace than ever before. Do you feel that way? Do you share this view?

– Well, I have been here for thirty-three months, since May 2, 2022. I remember that when we had our first briefing in the conference room – and for the first couple of months, we held them every day – we saw the front moving faster than it is now, we did not know in what conditions we would be sitting in September 2022. And then in September 2022, you managed to reclaim Kharkiv Oblast, a large area.

So I believe it is very difficult to make predictions here, and one can never rule out surprises and unexpected developments.

However, I understand that many people have suffered losses, many people have lost family members, have been injured, or even died. A whole nation is traumatized by nighttime and daytime attacks. On October 10, 2022, rockets fell just 450 meters from here, on Shevchenko Street, and the entire building shook. What I have also come to appreciate is the ingenuity of Ukrainians, the resilience of Ukrainians – lessons that Europe can learn from.

As for negotiations, discussions are ongoing between Americans and Russians. As I mentioned, Ukraine must be involved; the EU must be involved. Both Ukraine and the European Union should participate in the negotiations. And Austria, as a neutral country, has offered its services as a host for negotiations between the involved parties. It is important to note that Austria is also home to 52 international organizations, including 18 UN agencies.

– That was actually my next question. What role can Austria play – particularly due to its neutral geopolitical status – in these negotiations? Just being a potential negotiation venue?

– When then-Chancellor Karl Nehammer met with President Zelensky in mid-December, they discussed intensifying joint efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. Chancellor Nehammer emphasized that Vienna, as the capital of a neutral country, is always ready to host future peace negotiations. We had a summit between Brezhnev and Carter in 1979, and between Kennedy and Khrushchev in 1961.

As a host to numerous international organizations, Austria conducts foreign policy that advocates for dialogue and accountability. Austria is home to the IAEA headquarters, which deals with nuclear energy issues. But there are also other organizations in Vienna that address this issue, such as the Energy Community of the EU. So energy – is one of many topics that could be discussed.

In any case, Europeans must have a place at the negotiation table – not only because we are the largest donors but also because Ukraine is a European country fighting for our values and freedom. Austria is ready and willing to assist in the reconstruction of Ukraine. We have a significant Austrian business presence here that invests (in Ukraine, - ed.), and almost all of them still remain in the country.

– Let’s move on to Austrian assistance to Ukraine. What has already been done, and what are the plans for the near future? And a more general question: in your opinion, can the European Union potentially replace the US as a key donor for Ukraine, considering the US is generally scaling back its foreign aid?

– In total, Austria has spent around 300 million euros in bilateral assistance. There is also EU assistance, which is distributed among countries according to their GDP. Austria's share of the EU GDP is 2.8%. In 2022, Austrian support was primarily focused on humanitarian aid, the reconstruction of destroyed homes, the delivery of water, hygiene items, food, or cash assistance, and similar efforts.

In 2023, we began to diversify (the assistance, - ed.). One direction is financial support programs (short-term to support basic services and infrastructure; long-term for reconstruction). Another direction