Russia threatens Austria with attack if it considers joining NATO
Tensions between Moscow and Vienna have escalated following harsh statements from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. He warned, as one of the prominent voices of the Kremlin, that Austria could face Russian military action if it considers joining NATO.
Medvedev confirmed that such a step would mean Austria abandoning its historical role as a neutral state for peacekeeping. According to him, this shift could make the Austrian armed forces a legitimate target for Russian attacks. He pointed to the recent accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO as examples, warning that Austria would be "no exception." His statements were published on the Russian propaganda channel RT.
The debate about Austria's neutrality has gained momentum since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) recently questioned whether neutrality still provides adequate protection in light of Russia's increasingly aggressive behavior. While she acknowledged that there is currently no political or popular majority for joining NATO, she emphasized that Austria should invest more in its internal defense and remain open to new security partnerships.
Legally, Austria's neutrality is enshrined in the 1955 constitution as "permanent neutrality." The FPÖ party has been one of the staunchest defenders of this principle, strongly rejecting any steps towards integration with NATO. However, the ongoing war in Ukraine has led to a more open discussion of this topic compared to previous years.
The Austrian government has strongly responded to Moscow's threats. Defense Minister Claudia Tanner (ÖVP) told the newspaper Heute that the issue of joining NATO "is not up for discussion," emphasizing that Austria will remain neutral and will not allow itself to be blackmailed or threatened. She described Russia's statements as a "desperate attempt to undermine our independence," adding that the Austrian armed forces will be further strengthened to ensure neutrality and sovereignty.