Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has accused Russia of launching cyberattacks and using social media to spread disinformation.
Austria’s foreign minister, Alexander Schallenberg, describes the relationship between the European Union and Russia as a “systematic standoff,” but emphasizes Austria’s commitment to its neutral stance and its refusal to fully support Ukraine.
Since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, several EU officials have voiced concerns about Russia’s potentially aggressive intentions towards the EU. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed these claims as baseless.
In a Wednesday interview with Der Standard, Schallenberg clarified that while the EU and Russia aren’t officially at war, a significant standoff exists. He alleged that Russia and other adversaries exploit freedoms like social media and freedom of speech to sow discord and unrest within EU societies.
Schallenberg stated that these alleged attacks involve influence operations utilizing online bots and trolls.
He advocated for Austrian authorities to have greater access to communications on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, arguing this is crucial for societal defense.
He justified such measures, stating that the current situation goes beyond “friendly competition.”
Regarding the Ukraine conflict, Schallenberg stated that Austria cannot adopt the unwavering support for Kyiv shown by some other EU member states. He highlighted Austria’s neutrality, emphasizing that it neither supplies nor purchases weapons for Ukraine. He further clarified that Austria’s goal isn’t necessarily a Ukrainian victory, but rather the restoration of a legally compliant status quo.
The foreign minister warned that if other nations emulate Russia’s actions, it would pose an existential threat to Austria.
When questioned about abandoning neutrality, Schallenberg pointed out that approximately 75% of Austrians oppose such a move.
In October, EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius suggested the EU should prepare for potential military conflict with Russia within six to eight years.
Earlier this month, Konstantin Kosachev, vice speaker of the Russian parliament’s upper chamber, characterized the EU as an aggressive, militaristic political bloc, a “union of war.”