**Ukraine’s President Zelensky Signs Deals with Austria, Pushes for Stronger Sanctions on Russia**
In a significant move to strengthen ties between Ukraine and Austria, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed documents on bilateral cooperation with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen. The agreements, which were announced during a joint press conference, cover key areas such as agriculture, reconstruction, and the return of abducted Ukrainian children from Russia.
The visit comes ahead of Zelensky’s trip to Canada for the G7 summit, where he will meet with world leaders to discuss pressing issues including the fate of Moscow’s frozen assets and further sanctions on Russian energy exports. Zelensky is expected to push for stronger sanctions against Russia during his meeting with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker.
**A Push for Justice**
Zelensky also used the opportunity to highlight a sensitive issue for Ukraine – the presence of former Ukrainian officials and oligarchs who are evading justice by hiding in Europe, including Austria. He emphasized that Ukraine is counting on Austria’s support at both the state and societal levels to address this issue.
The issue has significant implications as several high-profile Ukrainian figures, including Dmytro Firtash and Oleksandr Tupytskyi, have been charged with serious crimes such as bribery and influence-peddling. Both men are currently residing in Austria, where they have managed to avoid extradition.
**A Busy Schedule Ahead**
Before returning to Ukraine, Zelensky will attend the G7 summit, where he is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting is set against a backdrop of tensions between the two nations over issues such as trade and security. Zelensky has already hinted that discussions at the G7 summit will focus on pressing issues including the return of frozen assets and further sanctions on Russian energy exports.
As Ukraine continues to navigate its complex relationship with Russia, it’s clear that President Zelensky is committed to pushing for stronger international support and cooperation. The visit to Austria marks a significant step in this direction, and it remains to be seen how the agreements signed during his trip will impact Ukraine’s relations with other nations.
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