Carl Nehammer: If the war does not end soon, it will get even bigger

“If the war does not end soon, it will become even bigger,” warns Austrian Chancellor Carl Nehamer, who is defending his decision to travel to Russia to mediate an end to hostilities. He appears willing to accept refugees from Ukraine.

In two interviews with the Kurier and Die Presse today, Nehamer stressed the need to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible, as there is always the risk that it will escalate and expand. He even notes that every possible effort should be made for a diplomatic solution and in this context is his own recent visit to Russia, which was criticized by many.

Asked about Russian gas supplies to his country, the chancellor said deliveries were unrestricted and that ÖMV would continue to pay in euros, without giving further details. A company spokesman, however, said that Gazprom had sent its own proposal, which is being studied, in order to find a solution compatible with the sanctions imposed by the West against Russia.

Mr Nehamer, however, did not believe a possible embargo on the European gas market would lead to an immediate end to the war. “I would have exchanged Russian gas immediately if the children of Ukraine, who are now dead, had been saved,” he said, when asked if his refugee policy was different from that of his predecessor, Sebastian Kurtz. The Austrian Chancellor stressed that Austria was willing to help, but noted that “someone fleeing war zones like Afghanistan crosses up to ten safe countries until he reaches Europe and could find protection there – it’s different from you are helping a neighbor who is in danger “.

SOURCE: AMPE