Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, against the backdrop of the European Commission's proposal to use the proceeds from frozen Russian assets to buy weapons for Ukraine, said that for his country, as a neutral one, "it must be ensured that the money we give our consent to is not spent on weapons and ammunition," Reuters reports, UNN writes.
Details
According to the publication, the idea of using the proceeds to benefit Ukraine enjoys wide support among EU governments, as diplomats say. However, using the money to buy weapons for some countries is said to be more problematic.
The publication notes that this proposal raises questions, in particular, among neutral countries, or those that are not part of military alliances, "such as Malta, Austria and Ireland.
"For us, the neutrals, it must be ensured that the money we give our consent to is not spent on weapons and ammunition," said Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
It is also noted that attention will be focused on the reaction of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who maintains closer ties with Moscow than other EU leaders and opposes sending weapons to Ukraine.
The publication notes that no final decision is expected at the summit. But the leaders will indicate how the EU should proceed with this proposal.