Hungary: Austria's Foreign Minister, Alexander Schallenberg, has emphasized the importance of a pragmatic stance towards Russia, urging Western allies to avoid a complete severance of ties with Moscow as it would not serve anyone's interests. 

In an interview with the Financial Times on Tuesday, Schallenberg underscored that despite condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, maintaining open lines of communication is crucial.

Schallenberg stressed the necessity of realism in dealing with Russia, acknowledging that a complete cutoff of ties would be unfeasible. "We need to find a way to coexist with Russia, even amidst difficulties," he stated.

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His remarks come at a time when Western nations are contemplating further sanctions against Russia. While the European Union has already imposed a series of sanctions, they have not deterred Russian President Vladimir Putin from pursuing the conflict in Ukraine.

Amid calls for severing Russian energy imports, Schallenberg cautioned against such drastic measures, deeming them too costly for Europe. He emphasized the need to avoid inflicting more harm on Europe than on Russia.

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Austria's position reflects a delicate balancing act as it grapples with the aftermath of the Ukrainian conflict. As a member of the European Union and NATO, Austria holds economic ties with Russia, further complicating its approach.

While Austria has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it has also advocated for a negotiated resolution. Schallenberg emphasized Austria's readiness to mediate in the conflict, expressing a willingness to contribute to a solution.

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Criticism has arisen from some quarters in Ukraine, contending that Austria's support for the Ukrainian people has been insufficient. Schallenberg defended the government's stance, portraying Austria as a "voice of reason" in the tumultuous situation.

He asserted, "Our aim is to bring an end to the conflict promptly—this is the most effective way to assist the Ukrainian people."

Austria's call for realism underscores the multifaceted perspectives on how to navigate post-war relations with Russia. Schallenberg's remarks serve as a reminder of the complex considerations that underlie diplomatic engagements in the wake of the Ukrainian conflict.