Austria not to lobby Russian interests in Europe - Shcherba

The diplomat said this in an interview with Ukrinform.

"I don't think Austria will be a lobbyist for Russian interests," Shcherba said, when asked whether Austria should be among top lobbyists in Europe for lifting anti-Russian sanctions.

The ambassador noted that the coalition agreement of the new Austrian government "expressed Austria's interest in the rapprochement between Ukraine and the European Union": "It was clearly stated that Ukraine is important. And another important thing is that in the key issue of sanctions against Russia, Austria will remain in the mainstream of European politics."

Shcherba also shared his impressions of communicating in the past with the Austrian Greens, which joined the new coalition government headed by Austrian People's Party leader Sebastian Kurz.

"My impression is that, on the one hand, they are pragmatists, honest and very sincere in their aspirations for both animal rights and environmental protection. One the other hand, they understand the situation our country is in. I think we will be working very well with them," he said.

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