Austria-Russia Relations: How Close Are These Nations?

Russia and Austria have had a long history of diplomatic relations, with the two countries sharing a border after the Second Partition of Poland. The distance between the two countries is approximately 1,000 miles, and there are 9 ways to travel from Russia to Austria. In recent years, Austria has sought to maintain good relations and close economic cooperation with Russia, even after the 2014 Ukraine crisis and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Austria has historically been a recipient of Russian gas, with Gazprom supplying Austrian energy firm OMV. However, in November 2024, Russia cut off most natural gas supplies to Austria, citing disputes over payment in rubles. Despite this, commercial ties between the two countries remain fairly intact as of 2023, particularly in the energy and finance sectors.

Austria-Russia travel options

The distance between Austria and Russia is approximately 3,460 miles (5,568 kilometres) and can be travelled in a number of ways. The fastest way to travel between the two countries is by plane, which takes around 9-11 hours and costs $100-$400. Austrian citizens do not need a visa for Russia for short stays (tourism), but they are required to obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA or eVisa) before entering the country.

By Plane

There are several airlines that offer flights between the two countries, including Air Serbia and Turkish Airlines. The main flight routes are:

• Vienna (VIE) to Pulkovo (LED)
• Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO) to Vienna (VIE)
• Pulkovo (LED) to Ljubljana (LJU)
• Ljubljana (LJU) to Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO)

By Train and Bus

It is also possible to travel between Austria and Russia by train and bus, although this option takes significantly longer than flying. The journey can be done in two ways, either via Brest or via Warsaw, and takes between 30-35 hours. The cost of this option is $70-$260.

By Car

Finally, it is possible to drive between Austria and Russia. The driving distance between the two countries is approximately 1,215 miles, and the journey takes around 21 hours.

Austria-Russia relations

Austria and Russia have historically enjoyed close relations, with bilateral relations existing between the two nations and their predecessor states. However, the two countries did not share a border until the Second Partition of Poland.

Historical Relations

The lands now part of Austria were once a collection of fiefs of the House of Habsburg, whose head was also the Holy Roman Emperor from the 15th Century onwards. Russia was uninterested in European affairs before Peter I (r. 1682–1725). However, there were contacts between the Holy Roman Emperor and the Tsardom of Russia, the most notable of which was the Embassy conducted by Sigismund von Herberstein in the 16th Century.

As the Habsburgs expanded their domain, and Russia expanded south and west, relations between the two monarchies became vital to European security. Russia and Austria were allies during the War of the Polish Succession (1733–1738), the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748), the Seven Years' War (1756–1763), and from 1787 to 1791, both monarchies waged separate wars against the Ottomans.

The coming of the French Revolution created ideological solidarity between the absolutist monarchies of Russia and Austria, and both countries fought against France during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars.

Post-1815 Relations

After 1815, Austrian policy, as set by Klemens von Metternich, was based on a realistic acceptance of Russia's political predominance in Moldavia and Wallachia. He obtained some economic concessions from Tsar Nicholas I during the 1830s, and the two powers began to co-operate with the mutual aim of preserving the status quo.

The Revolutions of 1848 shook the Habsburg lands, and the Hungarian lands declared their independence. Russia intervened by invading Hungary to suppress the revolutions and restore Habsburg sovereignty.

Crimean War and Aftermath

During the Crimean War, Austria maintained a policy of hostile neutrality towards Russia, and while it did not go to war, it was supportive of the Anglo-French coalition. This stance angered Nicholas I of Russia and strained Russo-Austrian relations. Although Russia was punished by the Treaty of Paris, Austria lost the most from the Crimean War despite barely taking part in it.

Having abandoned its alliance with Russia, Austria was diplomatically isolated following the war. Russia stood aside as Austria was evicted from the Italian and German states, and Russian neutrality towards its former ally contributed to the Austrian defeat in the 1866 Austro-Prussian War and its loss of influence in most German-speaking lands.

World War I

Austrian officials worried that Russia was adopting a pan-Slavist policy designed to unite all Slavonic-speaking peoples under the Tsar's leadership. This led them to pursue an anti-Slavic policy domestically and abroad. The major source of tension between Austria-Hungary and Russia was the Eastern Question: what to do about the weakening Ottoman Empire and its rebellious Christian subjects.

From 1873 to 1887, Austria-Hungary and Russia were allies with the German Empire in the League of Three Emperors. The 1878 Treaty of Berlin, which concluded in the aftermath of Russia's victory against the Ottoman Empire in the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), allowed Austria-Hungary to occupy the Bosnia Vilayet.

In 1903, the pro-Austrian King Alexander I of Serbia was assassinated in a coup. The new King Peter I of Serbia was pro-Russian, and relations between Serbia and Austria-Hungary, and therefore also with Russia, deteriorated. Austria-Hungary's formal annexation of the Bosnia Vilayet in 1908 dismayed Russia, and relations between the two empires were permanently damaged.

Following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria by Serb nationalists in 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. On August 6, Emperor Franz Joseph signed the Austro-Hungarian declaration of war on Russia, who had since August 1 been at war with Germany, Austria-Hungary's ally. Russia and Austria-Hungary would fight to the point of exhaustion on the Eastern Front, and the war ended with the overthrow of the monarchy in both countries and the dissolution of their empires.

Post-World War I

Following the Bolshevik Revolution in November 1917, the new Russian government began diplomatic efforts to terminate the war with the Central Powers, including Austria-Hungary. These efforts led to the conclusion of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on March 3, 1918. Diplomatic relations between Austria and the Soviet Union were established on February 21, 1924.

The rump Austrian state left after the war eventually joined with Nazi Germany in the Anschluss and was therefore part of the German invasion of the Soviet Union. After World War II, Austria was occupied by the allied armies, separated from Germany, and divided into four zones of occupation.

Post-Cold War Relations

Austria was required to sign the Austrian State Treaty of 1955, under which it pledged total neutrality in the Cold War confrontation between the Soviet Union and the U.S.-led West. The treaty also mandated that Austria never seek to unify with other German-speaking nations and perpetually maintain the Soviet War Memorial in Vienna.

In 1968, Austria became the first Western European country to begin imports of natural gas from the Soviet Union. Subsequently, Europe's main gas hub was set up at Baumgarten an der March on Austria's eastern border with Czechoslovakia, now Slovakia.

Austria's energy imports from Russia

Austria and Russia are separated by a distance of about 1,000 miles or 5,568 kilometres. While the two countries are not direct neighbours, they have had bilateral relations for a long time.

Austria has historically maintained close ties with Russia, which is a major energy supplier to the country. In 1968, Austria became the first Western European country to import natural gas from the Soviet Union. Since then, Russia has been a key provider of natural gas to Austria, with the Baumgarten hub near the Slovakian border receiving Russian gas, in addition to shipments from Norway and other countries.

In recent years, Austria has sought to reduce its dependence on Russian gas due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. In 2024, the Austrian energy minister, Leonore Gewessler, stated that the country was taking steps to end its long-term contract with Gazprom, the Russian state-owned energy company. Despite these efforts, Russia continued to be a significant supplier of gas to Austria, with a 95% share of annual gas usage in the country, according to a German DIW study.

In November 2024, Russian gas flows to Austria were suspended for a second day due to a pricing dispute. However, other European countries stepped in to purchase the unsold volumes, and Austria was able to secure alternative sources from Germany and Italy.

Austria's energy regulator, E-Control, has stated that they have prepared for the suspension of Gazprom exports and have alternative import routes through Italy and Germany. OMV, the Austrian energy company, has also stated that it has replacement cover for lost Russian gas supply through its own production facilities and global market sources.

Despite efforts to reduce reliance on Russian gas, commercial ties between the two countries remain fairly intact as of 2023, particularly in the energy and finance sectors.

Historical conflicts

Russia and Austria have a long history of bilateral relations, and their predecessor states have been in contact since at least the 16th century. Over the centuries, the two countries have been allies and enemies, with several conflicts occurring between them.

War of the Polish Succession (1733–1738)

Russia and Austria were allies during the War of the Polish Succession, which lasted from 1733 to 1738. The conflict was sparked by a dispute over who would succeed the deceased King of Poland, Augustus II. Russia and Austria supported different candidates, and the war ended with the election of Augustus III, who was backed by Russia and Austria's opponents, France, Spain and Saxony.

War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748)

The War of the Austrian Succession was a conflict over the succession of the Habsburg monarchy in Austria. It lasted from 1740 to 1748 and involved most of the major European powers of the time. Russia and Austria were allies during this war, which ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748.

Seven Years' War (1756–1763)

The Seven Years' War was a global conflict that took place between 1756 and 1763. Russia and Austria were again allies during this war, which was fought primarily between Great Britain and France, with each side having several allies. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which recognised Britain's dominance over North America and France's dominance over mainland Europe.

Austro-Turkish War (1788–1791) and Russo-Turkish War (1787–1792)

From 1787 to 1791, the Austrian and Russian monarchies waged separate wars against the Ottoman Empire. The Austro-Turkish War lasted from 1788 to 1791 and ended with an Austrian victory, while the Russo-Turkish War lasted from 1787 to 1792 and ended with a Russian victory. These wars were part of a long-running conflict between the Ottoman Empire and various European powers, known as the "Eastern Question".

Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815)

The Napoleonic Wars were a series of conflicts that engulfed Europe during the early 19th century, centred around the rise and fall of Napoleon's French Empire. Russia and Austria were initially allies during these wars, as they shared an ideological solidarity as absolutist monarchies. However, after Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812, the two countries found themselves on opposite sides of the conflict.

Crimean War (1853–1856)

During the Crimean War, Austria maintained a policy of hostile neutrality towards Russia. While Austria did not go to war, it was supportive of the Anglo-French coalition against Russia. This stance angered Tsar Nicholas I and strained Russo-Austrian relations.

World War I (1914–1918)

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria by Serb nationalists on 28 June 1914 is often viewed as the "spark" that ignited World War I. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, and Russia rapidly mobilised its forces in support of its Slav brothers. The conflict between Austria-Hungary and Russia took place primarily on the Eastern Front, resulting in huge losses for both sides and contributing to revolutions in Russia and the eventual dissolution of both empires.

Modern-day diplomacy

Historical Context

Austria and Russia have a long history of bilateral relations, dating back to the time of monarchies and empires. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the two countries often found themselves as allies against common foes, such as the Ottoman Empire and France. However, with the rise of nationalism and the dissolution of empires after World War I, the relationship between Austria and the newly formed Soviet Union entered a new era.

Post-Cold War Relations

Following the Cold War, Austria maintained its neutrality and sought to develop close economic ties with the Russian Federation. This included becoming one of the first Western European countries to import natural gas from the Soviet Union in 1968, a relationship that continued to develop over the years. Austria also became a hub for espionage activities, with Russian intelligence maintaining a significant presence in Vienna.

Recent Developments

In recent years, Austria has walked a delicate tightrope in its relations with Russia, particularly in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While Austria supported EU sanctions against Russia and expelled several Russian diplomats, it also sought to maintain close economic ties, especially in the energy sector. Austria's energy security is highly dependent on Russian natural gas, with supplies flowing through a pipeline via Ukraine.

In November 2024, Russia's state-owned gas company, Gazprom, suspended deliveries to Austria due to a contractual dispute with the Austrian energy firm OMV. This move caused concern in Austria about potential gas shortages during the winter. However, the Austrian government reassured its citizens that alternative sources of fuel had been secured and that no homes would go cold.

The Austrian government's response to the Ukraine crisis has been nuanced. While it has not turned a blind eye to Russian aggression, it has also refrained from taking unilateral actions against Russia, citing its neutrality. This position has drawn some criticism from other European countries, who have taken a harder line against Russia.

In conclusion, modern-day diplomacy between Austria and Russia is a complex dance influenced by historical ties, economic interdependence, and shifting geopolitical alliances. While Austria has taken steps to reduce its reliance on Russian energy and has supported EU sanctions, it also seeks to maintain a delicate balance, mindful of its geographical proximity and economic connections to Russia.

Frequently asked questions