Austria’s Chancellor had a “tough” talk with Putin

Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he brought up alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine at a “tough” and unpleasant discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday — the first Western engagement with Putin since his invasion began in February.

“This is not a friendly visit. I have just come from Ukraine and have seen with my own eyes the immeasurable suffering caused by the Russian war of aggression,” Nehammer said in a statement issued by his office after the meeting outside Moscow.

Since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Nehammer is the first European leader to meet him face to face. His visit sparked debate among EU leaders, with some voicing reservations about meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to Nehammer’s spokesperson, the two chatted for roughly 75 minutes at Putin’s Novo-Ogaryovo house near Moscow, in talks that the Austrian leader described as “very direct, open, and tough.”

Before heading to Russia, Nehammer met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv and went to Bucha, where after a month of Russian occupation, remains of unarmed civilians were found scattered throughout public streets.

”I addressed the serious war crimes in Bucha and other places and emphasized that all those responsible for them must be held accountable,” Nehammer said, according to the statement. “I also told President Putin in no uncertain terms that sanctions against Russia will remain in place and will continue to be tightened as long as people are dying in Ukraine.”

Putin, according to the Austrian leader, has blamed the Ukrainians for the “crimes in Bucha.” However, video evidence shows Russian forces shooting and killing a civilian in the area.

Although Austria is a military neutral country, its government has condemned Putin’s invasion along with its neighbors.

“I also made it clear to the Russian President that there is an urgent need for humanitarian corridors to bring drinking water and food to the besieged cities and to bring out women, children and the wounded,” Nehammer said in his statement.