Calls for Ukraine to cede part of its territory in exchange for peace with Russia are unacceptable, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said in an interview with Ukrinform.
“I find such calls completely unnecessary. Imagine that we were attacked: if Southern Styria or Burgenland were occupied by a foreign power, and there was an attempt to destroy or expel the federal government of Austria. And then we were told: ‘Dear Austrians, why don’t you give up part of your territory for the sake of peace?’ I consider such external calls unacceptable,” said the minister.
The final decision must be made by the Ukrainian people, Schallenberg believes. “They (the Ukrainian people – ed.) have been attacked and are showing incredible willingness to fight. Ironically, one could say that Putin, with his attack, has contributed more to the unity of Ukrainian society than anyone else before him,” the minister said.
Ukrainians themselves must decide whether they are ready for negotiations. “In the end, talks with Russia will happen. Because we all want peace. But peace cannot be dictated. Peace cannot be imposed by Russia or anyone else without considering Ukraine’s opinion. That is unacceptable,” Schallenberg said, adding that “such external calls are absolutely absurd.”
A survey conducted by the Razumkov Center for ZN.UA in June found that while almost half of Ukrainians (44%) are ready for negotiations with Russia, the majority are unwilling to make any concessions.
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