Russia supports armed conflict in Donbas - Kurz

He said this at a press conference in Vienna on Wednesday before his visit to St. Petersburg for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Russia is one of the largest countries in the world, a 'superpower.' And this is a country with which there is an armed conflict, or rather, an armed conflict in eastern Ukraine supported by Russia. There is also an annexation of Crimea that is contrary to international law," he said. 

The chancellor said that Austria condemns Russia's actions, which are contrary to international law, and this is why it supported the extension of EU sanctions against Russia in June.

"It is crucial what position is adopted, and our position is clear - the sanctions were prolonged in June. If Austria did not vote in favor of them, then there would be no sanctions. Russia's actions, which are contrary to international law, should not just be condemned, they are unacceptable," Kurz said.

At the same time, he said it was necessary to look for ways to "ease tensions" and resolve the conflict in Donbas.

"Our goal is to ease tensions between Europe and Russia. We call on the Russian side to stop the actions that violate international law. We want to improve the situation for people in eastern Ukraine. This conflict should eventually end. And we have a clear unchanged position in the European arena. At the same time, it is necessary to seek dialogue and contacts, because in the long run peace on our continent can only be with Russia, not against Russia," he added.

op