Asger Risom
Ukrainian president calls for return of abducted children and sanctions on oligarchs hiding in Europe.
As Ukraine’s war with Russia grinds on, President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Vienna on June 16 to deepen bilateral cooperation with Austria and rally support on several critical fronts.
The visit included the signing of agreements with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen covering agriculture, reconstruction, and efforts to repatriate Ukrainian children taken by Russia during the war, according to the Kyiv Independent.
Focus on Reconstruction and Sanctions
Zelensky is using his European tour to mobilize allies ahead of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada. In Austria, he emphasized the need for international assistance in rebuilding war-torn areas and recovering abducted minors. He also raised the issue of imposing harsher sanctions on Russia—particularly targeting energy exports and frozen Kremlin assets.
Before departing for Canada, where he is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelensky will meet Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker to press for stricter measures against Russian influence and financial networks.
Demanding Accountability for Fugitive Elites
One of the more forceful messages of the visit came during Zelensky’s appeal for Austria’s cooperation in addressing the presence of Ukrainian fugitives on European soil.
“We are counting on Austria’s support, both at the state and societal levels, on a sensitive issue for Ukraine: the presence of former Ukrainian officials and oligarchs who are evading justice by hiding in Europe, including Austria, and concealing stolen assets,” Zelensky said.
Among those sheltering in Austria is Dmytro Firtash, a Ukrainian oligarch wanted in the U.S. on bribery and racketeering charges. Firtash has fought extradition since his arrest in 2014. Also in Vienna is Oleksandr Tupytskyi, Ukraine’s ex-Constitutional Court chief, facing charges of witness tampering and perjury.
Zelensky’s diplomatic push underscores Ukraine’s effort to frame postwar justice and recovery as a shared European cause—one in which nations like Austria can play a decisive role.