Kurz expects to discuss further sanctions against Russia due to escalation in Kerch Strait

He stated this during a meeting organized by Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) in Vienna, the Austrian portal Finanzen reported.

"Given the current escalation between Ukraine and Russia, Kurz is awaiting discussions on further sanctions," the report reads.

At the same time, Kurz expressed hope that "the situation between Ukraine and Russia will calm down."

The chancellor also said that Austria would support the current joint EU sanctions against Russia because of its aggression against Ukraine until there was a reason for their introduction. "We always support sanctions. Sanctions are needed until there is a reason for them. We will support sanctions as long as they are needed," he said.

Kurz also commented on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, the major investor of which was Austria’s OMV. According to the chancellor, this gas pipeline relates to energy policy and "it a very important and positive project for us".

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