Zelensky, Sobotka discuss elections and ceasefire in Donbas

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with President of the National Council (Parliament) of the Republic of Austria Wolfgang Sobotka to discuss bilateral relations between the countries and the ceasefire in Donbas.

“Volodymyr Zelensky spoke in detail about the situation in the east and all the efforts Ukraine makes to achieve peace,” the press service of the Head of State informs.

In turn, Wolfgang Sobotka stressed that Austria had a large Ukrainian diaspora and that official Vienna supported Ukraine on many international platforms. Austria wants to remain a reliable partner for Ukraine, he noted.

Zelensky and the President of the Austrian Parliament discussed in detail the issues of holding elections in the temporarily uncontrolled territories of Donbas. The President of Ukraine stressed the impossibility of holding these elections before the withdrawal of foreign troops and illegal armed groups, the return of Ukraine's control over these territories. In addition, elections must be fair and transparent and held in accordance with international standards, he stressed.

Zelensky also expressed a hope that Ukraine and Austria would resume bilateral cooperation up to the level reached before the COVID-19 pandemic. Wolfgang Sobotka thanked the President of Ukraine for the efforts made in overcoming the consequences of the coronavirus epidemic.

As reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska make a state visit to Austria on September 15-16.

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