Austria Allocates Additional €2 Million to 'Grain from Ukraine' Initiative

Austria is allocating an additional two million euros for the Ukrainian grain initiative Grain from Ukraine.

This was stated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha during his second visit to Vienna, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reports.

Andriy Sybiha noted that Russia continues to escalate the war, in particular by involving North Korean troops. According to him, Moscow's aggressive actions go far beyond the battlefield, in particular through the use of energy as a weapon. The minister noted that Austria has recently experienced this and stressed that the allies' common task is to counter Russian pressure.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister stressed that changes in the nuclear doctrine and Russia's recent threats should be seen as blackmail.

‘Russia has already used this tactic many times to intimidate Ukraine, Europe and the world. We must remain firm and not give in to intimidation,’ he said.

The Ukrainian diplomat stressed that Austria and Ukraine are united in defending international law and restoring its strength. He thanked Austria for its unwavering support for the Peace Formula and added that Europe needs a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

Andriy Sybiha also thanked Minister Schallenberg for Austria's financial and humanitarian support.

‘I thank Austria for its solidarity, as well as humanitarian, financial and energy assistance. I appreciate the decision to allocate EUR 2 million for the Grain from Ukraine programme. We will continue to develop our bilateral cooperation,’ he said.

The Ukrainian foreign minister also informed his counterpart about Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy system, including a recent massive attack that also targeted nuclear power facilities.

In the context of Russia's terror against Ukraine's energy system, Andriy Sybiha expressed gratitude for Austria's decision to provide €5 million to restore Ukraine's energy infrastructure and hoped for its prompt implementation.

He added that the Ukrainian side also appreciates Austria's additional EUR 3 million for humanitarian aid to displaced persons through the Red Cross, UNICEF and other international humanitarian organisations.

Sibiha expressed special gratitude to Austria for its support of Ukrainian cultural diplomacy. During the meeting, the ministers discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in this area.