Austria's role as peacemaker is greatly overestimated – expert

Austrian psychologist Martin Malek stated this in an interview with Ukrinform.

“When Austria is discussed, many people in politics and elsewhere tend to greatly overestimate its capabilities as a 'peacemaker' simply because it is a neutral country. But the reality is completely different: Austria has never been a successful mediator or leader of peace initiatives in any international conflict since 1955. Its influence on global events is really very insignificant,” Malek noted.

The expert expressed doubts that Russia's war against Ukraine could be ended through negotiations.

“This is highly unlikely. Many Western analysts, media and experts convince themselves otherwise, believing that Putin simply needs the right “offers” or that he allegedly “thirsts for peace” – as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated. However, the current situation on the battlefield tells a different story,” he added.

Commenting on the “Trump factor,” Malek emphasized his unpredictability.

“Unfortunately, the 'Trump factor' is completely unpredictable. How can you trust a US president who jokes about taking over Canada and Greenland, expresses a desire to 'befriend' Putin, blames Ukraine for starting the war, and calls President Zelensky, but not Putin, a 'dictator'?” Malek asked.

He warned that the EU and Ukraine must prepare as soon as possible for the possibility that Trump could suspend all US support to Ukraine and potentially undermine NATO commitments.

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Malek warned that such a scenario could lead to an increased threat to Europe's security.

“If Trump reduces support and Putin 'wins' in Ukraine, Russia could invade the Baltics or Panama – NATO and EU member states – just to 'test' NATO's reserves,” he warned.

As Ukrinform previously reported, the Austrian Foreign Ministry previously expressed its readiness to become the organizer and mediator in peace negotiations aimed at ending Russia's war against Ukraine.