The Truth About Zelensky's Roots: Austrian Or Not?

There has been speculation about Volodymyr Zelensky's nationality, with some sources suggesting he may be Austrian. However, this is not the case. While Zelenskyy has addressed the Austrian parliament, he is, in fact, Ukrainian.

Austrian far-right MPs walked out of a Zelensky speech

On March 30, 2023, more than 20 far-right Austrian MPs walked out of parliament during a speech delivered by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky via video link. The MPs, from the pro-Russia Freedom Party (FPO), argued that Zelensky's speech violated Austria's neutrality.

The Freedom Party had warned that it would stage some form of protest against the Ukrainian president's address. The party's lawmakers attended the start of the speech and then left, placing placards on their desks featuring the party logo and the messages "space for neutrality" and "space for peace".

In his address, Zelensky thanked Austria for its humanitarian aid and help with projects such as clearing land mines. He also invited Austrian MPs to travel to Ukraine to see the destruction caused by the Russian invasion.

Austria has maintained that its neutrality prevents it from military involvement in the conflict. While it supports Ukraine politically, it cannot send the country weapons in its fight against Russia.

The Freedom Party holds the third-largest number of seats in the lower house of Austria's parliament. It has prompted anger in the past for its pro-Russian stance, including when former foreign minister Karin Kneissl, a member of the FPO, was criticised for dancing with Russian President Vladimir Putin at her wedding in 2018.

Austrian MPs opposed Zelensky's address

On 30 March 2023, more than 20 far-right Austrian MPs walked out of parliament during a virtual address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The MPs, from the Freedom Party of Austria (FPO), argued that Zelensky's speech violated Austria's neutrality.

The FPO had warned days before that it would stage some form of protest against the Ukrainian president’s virtual address to Austria’s parliament. “It is sad that the FPO is the only party in parliament that takes our ever-lasting neutrality seriously, thereby also standing up for peace,” FPO leader Herbert Kickl said in a statement on Tuesday. He also blamed the Austrian government and other opposition parties of showing “unilateral support for a war party.”

As Zelensky started his video address, the FPO MPs left their seats and left small placards on their desks featuring the party logo and a message that read “space for peace,” according to the Austrian public broadcaster ORF. In a video message on its Twitter account, the party said, “Yes to neutrality, no to warmongering.”

Austria has previously said it cannot help Ukraine's defence militarily, but does support Kyiv politically. In his address, Zelensky thanked Austria for its humanitarian assistance and help clearing land mines. He was speaking on the 400th day of the Russian invasion. He also invited MPs to travel to Ukraine to see the destruction caused.

The president of Austria's lower house of parliament, Wolfgang Sobotka, pledged more financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and said the country deserved Austria's solidarity. However, the FPO politicians were the only party to oppose Zelensky's address. Of the five parties in Austria's parliament, they hold the third-largest number of seats in the lower house. They have previously been part of Austria's government.

Austria's "permanent neutrality" has been part of its constitution since 1955. The law states: “Austria will never in the future accede to any military alliances nor permit the establishment of military bases of foreign states on her territory.”

Austria's stance on military alliances

Austria has a long-standing tradition of neutrality and has abstained from joining military alliances such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This stance is deeply ingrained in its national identity and constitution, with the commitment to neutrality enshrined in the Austrian State Treaty of 1955. The treaty prohibits Austria from joining any military alliances, hosting foreign military bases, and participating in wars. This commitment to neutrality is not merely a political stance but is reflected in Austrian society, shaping public opinion and political discourse.

Austria's neutrality can be traced back to the aftermath of World War II, when the country was occupied by the four victorious Allied powers. To regain independence, Austria declared its neutrality, following the model of Swiss neutrality proposed by the Soviet Union. This declaration was later enshrined in the country's constitution in October 1955, stating that "Austria will never in the future accede to any military alliances nor permit the establishment of military bases of foreign states on her territory."

Austria's foreign policy is guided by the principle of non-alignment and a commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The country has chosen neutrality as a means of safeguarding its sovereignty and security, aiming to avoid being drawn into future conflicts. This stance has influenced Austria's approach to the Ukraine-Russia war. While Austria has provided humanitarian aid, helmets, and protection vests to Ukraine, it has maintained its neutrality by refusing to supply weapons or provide military support.

Despite its neutrality, Austria has formal relations with NATO, established in 1995 when it joined the Partnership for Peace programme. Austria also participates in NATO's Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and contributes to United Nations peacekeeping operations, including deployments in Kosovo, Lebanon, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

There have been debates and discussions about Austria potentially joining NATO, especially following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer reaffirmed the country's commitment to neutrality, and according to opinion polls, only 21% of Austrians supported joining NATO as of April 2023.

Austria's support for Ukraine

Austria has maintained a delicate balancing act in its relations with Ukraine and Russia, as it tries to uphold its longstanding position of military neutrality. While Austria has provided humanitarian assistance and political support to Ukraine, it has refrained from offering military aid.

Humanitarian Aid

Austria has offered significant humanitarian aid to Ukraine, amounting to almost EUR 200 million. This includes assistance in clearing landmines, as well as providing helmets and protective vests for civilian use. Additionally, Austria has contributed to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which supports Ukraine's rebuilding efforts.

Political Support

Austria has expressed solidarity with Ukraine and pledged political support. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer emphasised the country's neutrality while affirming their commitment to helping where injustice and war crimes occur. The President of Austria's lower house of parliament, Wolfgang Sobotka, also pledged financial and humanitarian assistance, stating that Ukraine deserves Austria's solidarity.

Cooperation and Social Support

Austria has engaged in cooperation with Ukraine across various sectors, including energy, economy, and humanitarian efforts. Austrian cities like Innsbruck and Linz have provided humanitarian aid to their partner cities in Ukraine, such as Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. Additionally, the Neighbour in Need program has allocated about EUR 92 million in aid.

Limitations and Criticism

Despite Austria's support, it has faced criticism for its neutral stance and reluctance to provide military aid. Austria has stated that it cannot help Ukraine's defence militarily due to its constitutional commitment to neutrality. This position has been challenged, particularly by far-right lawmakers from the Freedom Party (FPO), who argue that Zelensky's speech to the Austrian parliament violated Austria's neutrality.

In conclusion, Austria has provided substantial humanitarian and political support to Ukraine while navigating the complexities of maintaining its military neutrality. However, the country has faced pressure to take a tougher stance against Russia and reevaluate its neutral position in light of the Ukraine war.

Freedom Party's ties to Russia

The Freedom Party of Austria (FPO) has been described as a far-right, right-wing populist, national-conservative, and Eurosceptic political party. It has long been accused of having close ties to Russia and has been deemed "Russia-friendly".

In 2016, the FPO signed a cooperation agreement with United Russia, the conservative party holding a majority in the Russian parliament. This deal expired in 2021. The FPO has also pushed for Austria to stop contributing to the EU's support for Ukraine and has forged closer ties with Hungary's leader, Viktor Orban, forming a new alliance in the European Parliament to push for peace talks with Russia.

The FPO has a history of pro-Russian actions. In 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the wedding of Karin Kneissl, a member of the FPO and Austria's foreign minister at the time. Kneissl was criticised for dancing with Putin at her wedding.

In 2023, more than 20 FPO MPs walked out of parliament during a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, arguing that his address violated Austria's neutrality. The FPO was the only party to oppose Zelensky's speech, with its leader, Herbert Kickl, stating:

> "It is sad that the FPO is the only party in parliament that takes our ever-lasting neutrality seriously, thereby also standing up for peace."

The FPO's ties to Russia and its pro-Russian stance have been a source of controversy, with the party being accused of having close ties to the Kremlin and complicating the EU's policy on the war in Ukraine.

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