EU Engaged in ‘standoff’ with Russia, Says Austria
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has charged Moscow with orchestrating cyberattacks and trying to incite division through social media. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has accused Moscow of conducting cyberattacks and using social media to create discord.
According to Schallenberg, the European Union and Russia are engaged in a “systematic standoff.” However, he emphasized that Austria would maintain its traditional neutrality and refrain from fully aligning with Ukraine.
Since the conflict in Ukraine intensified in February 2022, several EU officials have raised concerns that Moscow may have aggressive intentions toward the bloc. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently rejected these claims, calling them “nonsense.”
In a recent interview with Der Standard newspaper, Schallenberg stated that while the EU and Russia are not “at war as defined under international law,” they are indeed in a standoff. He alleged that Russia and other adversaries exploit freedoms—such as social media, assembly, and speech—to undermine societal cohesion by creating discord and unrest.
The Austrian foreign minister noted that these assaults also manifest as influence operations, which include the use of online bots and trolls. He expressed support for Austrian authorities having the capability to monitor communications on messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, stating that “it is about society’s defensive capabilities.” He argued that such interventions are warranted as “we are no longer in a ‘friendly competition.’”
Regarding the Ukraine conflict, Schallenberg remarked that Austria cannot adopt the ‘whatever it takes’ stance some EU nations have embraced in supporting Kyiv. He reiterated that, as a neutral country, Austria would not supply or procure weapons for Ukraine, and his focus is on restoring a legally conforming status rather than ensuring Ukraine’s total victory.
Additionally, the foreign minister warned that should other countries take cues from Russia, “this would pose an existential threat to Austria.” He also pointed out that around 75% of Austrians would oppose any shift away from neutrality.
In October, EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius, a former Lithuanian prime minister, asserted that the bloc must “prepare for war” and be ready to confront Russia militarily within the next six to eight years.
Earlier this month, Konstantin Kosachev, vice speaker of the Russian parliament’s upper chamber, referred to the EU as having transformed into an “aggressive political bloc with military inclinations” and a “union of war.”
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
According to Schallenberg, the European Union and Russia are engaged in a “systematic standoff.” However, he emphasized that Austria would maintain its traditional neutrality and refrain from fully aligning with Ukraine.
Since the conflict in Ukraine intensified in February 2022, several EU officials have raised concerns that Moscow may have aggressive intentions toward the bloc. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently rejected these claims, calling them “nonsense.”
In a recent interview with Der Standard newspaper, Schallenberg stated that while the EU and Russia are not “at war as defined under international law,” they are indeed in a standoff. He alleged that Russia and other adversaries exploit freedoms—such as social media, assembly, and speech—to undermine societal cohesion by creating discord and unrest.
The Austrian foreign minister noted that these assaults also manifest as influence operations, which include the use of online bots and trolls. He expressed support for Austrian authorities having the capability to monitor communications on messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, stating that “it is about society’s defensive capabilities.” He argued that such interventions are warranted as “we are no longer in a ‘friendly competition.’”
Regarding the Ukraine conflict, Schallenberg remarked that Austria cannot adopt the ‘whatever it takes’ stance some EU nations have embraced in supporting Kyiv. He reiterated that, as a neutral country, Austria would not supply or procure weapons for Ukraine, and his focus is on restoring a legally conforming status rather than ensuring Ukraine’s total victory.
Additionally, the foreign minister warned that should other countries take cues from Russia, “this would pose an existential threat to Austria.” He also pointed out that around 75% of Austrians would oppose any shift away from neutrality.
In October, EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius, a former Lithuanian prime minister, asserted that the bloc must “prepare for war” and be ready to confront Russia militarily within the next six to eight years.
Earlier this month, Konstantin Kosachev, vice speaker of the Russian parliament’s upper chamber, referred to the EU as having transformed into an “aggressive political bloc with military inclinations” and a “union of war.”
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
