Flash News

Bota

Austria's far right boycotts Zelensky's speech in Parliament

Austria's far right boycotts Zelensky's speech in Parliament

More than 20 far-right Austrian MPs walked out of parliament during a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Politicians from the Freedom Party (FPÖ) argued that Zelensky's speech violated Austria's neutrality, the BBC reports . They warned before the speech that they would hold some form of protest against Zelensky's address to the Austrian Parliament.

As Zelensky spoke, a group of politicians walked out and left banners on their desks with the party's logo that read "space for neutrality" and "space for peace."

Austria has previously said that it cannot militarily help the defense of Ukraine, but it supports Kiev politically.

In a video speech, Zelensky thanked Austria for its humanitarian aid and help in clearing landmines. He was speaking on the 400th day of the Russian invasion.

He invited MPs to travel to Ukraine themselves and see the devastation caused.

The president of Austria's lower house of parliament, Wolfgang Sobotka, promised more financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and said the country deserves Austria's solidarity.

Latest news