In Paris, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Federal Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer to discuss continued support for Ukraine.
The President thanked Austria for the humanitarian and financial assistance provided to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion.
The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine relies on further assistance in the coming year, particularly in humanitarian demining, treatment and rehabilitation of wounded civilians, while also being interested in the involvement of Austrian companies in the country's reconstruction.
The President also noted the importance of supporting our energy system in winter and defending people against Russian aerial terror. In particular, the construction of shelters in schools and hospitals is needed.
The Chancellor of Austria assured the President of continued assistance to Ukraine and support for sanctions pressure on Russia. Notably, one of the topics discussed at the meeting was Europe's energy independence from Russia's energy carriers.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Karl Nehammer particularly focused on the steps needed to force Russia to establish lasting and just peace.
The Head of State also invited Austria to join the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine and to conclude a bilateral agreement on long-term support in the future.
In addition, the President outlined all the efforts made by Ukraine to bring home Ukrainian children illegally deported to the Russian Federation and the obstacles put in the way by Russia.
