Russia is still not showing genuine interest in a peaceful settlement and must be forced to sit down at the negotiating table.
Austria’s Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said this during an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers (Gymnich format) in Copenhagen, Ukrinform reports.
“Russian attacks on Ukraine show that Russia is still not interested in serious negotiations. The killings must finally stop! That is why, together with our partners, we must do everything possible to force Russia to the negotiating table,” Meinl-Reisinger said.
She stressed the need for a just peace that takes into account Ukraine’s security needs.
“For me, it is clear: there can be no comprehensive, just, and lasting peace without Ukraine’s participation at the negotiating table. And Ukraine’s security needs must be addressed,” the Austrian official emphasized.
Meinl-Reisinger also reaffirmed Austria’s offer to host potential peace settlement talks.
According to Austria’s Foreign Ministry, the focus of the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, held on August 29–30 in Copenhagen, was “support for Ukraine until a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace is achieved.” Ministers also discussed the situation in the Middle East and EU enlargement.
As reported, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker earlier proposed Vienna as a venue for possible negotiations on a peaceful settlement of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Photo: Österreichisches Außenministerium
Source: Austria’s FM: Russia still not interested in serious negotiations
