Zelenskyy Arrives Vienna for Talks on Ukraine Support, Peace Venue

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his first visit to Austria since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, where he was welcomed with full military honors by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and First Lady Olena Zelenska. During the visit, Zelenskyy held discussions with Austrian leaders, including Chancellor Christian Stocker, focusing on continued support for Ukraine, deepening cooperation in various sectors, and Austrian business participation in Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. Key topics included humanitarian mine clearance, energy restoration, food security, shelter construction, and the return and rehabilitation of Ukrainian children illegally deported by Russia. Austrian Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler proposed Vienna as a potential venue for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, a development that has sparked concern from Austria's far-right Freedom Party, which views Zelenskyy's visit as a threat to the country's neutrality and has demanded a government report on the visit's preparation and costs. Following his Austria visit, Zelenskyy is expected to attend the G7 summit in Canada, where he plans to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit underscores ongoing international support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia and highlights Austria's potential role in future peace negotiations.