Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I had a substantive call with my Austrian friend and colleague Beate Meinl-Reisinger.

We discussed the battlefield situation, ongoing peace efforts, and Europe’s growing responsibility for its own security. We also spoke about Europe’s evolving role in the peace process. Any lasting peace will directly shape the future of European security, so Europe must have a strong voice and a meaningful role in the decisions that define it.

Frozen Russian assets were another important focus of our call. They must be fully mobilised for Ukraine’s defence and recovery. Russia must pay for the damage it has caused, and its assets should be part of that responsibility.

We discussed Austria’s upcoming non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council and the opportunities it creates to advance international peace and security.

I paid particular attention to the situation in the Black Sea. Russia’s attacks on ports, civilian vessels, and maritime routes threaten freedom of navigation and global food security. Safe and free navigation must be fully restored, and Europe has an important role to play in achieving this.

We also discussed Russia’s systematic strikes against Ukraine’s railway infrastructure. Ukraine urgently needs additional locomotives to keep this vital network running, and we discussed possibilities for Austria to help with their transfer or procurement.

I thanked Austria for hosting Ukrainian children for rehabilitation and recovery. For children living through years of war and Russian attacks, these programmes provide something especially valuable — safety, care, and time away from air raid sirens. We count on their continuation.

Grateful as well for our joint cultural initiatives, including in the Global South. Ukrainian culture and our voice need to be present wherever Russia continues trying to distort the truth about Ukraine and its war of aggression".