Werner Kogler

King Charles III: In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, when NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time and the UNSC was united in the face of terror, we answered the call together, as our people have done so for more than a century. Shoulder to shoulder through two world wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan, and moments that have defined our shared security. Today, that same unyielding resolve is needed for the defense of Ukraine and her most courageous people.

Over the past week, the Russian Federation has launched approximately 1,900 attack drones, nearly 1,400 guided aerial bombs, and around 60 missiles of various types against Ukraine. This highlights how timely the new partner contributions to the PURL initiative are, as well as the approval of the EU’s 20th sanctions package and the €90 billion European support package agreed in Cyprus. I thank all our partners who are helping. Our air defense system is already showing a very high success rate in intercepting drones – over 90%. And we need to keep working to ensure this rate continues to increase, not only against drones but also against ballistic threats. Every additional delivery of air defense missiles means saved lives and better protection for our cities and critical infrastructure.

Ukraine always expresses its gratitude and always remembers clearly who supported us and how after this war began. But it is equally important, especially for Europe, that all partners remember that Ukraine is defending not only itself in this war. Russia wants our territory so that it can capture the territories of others. If it succeeds with one country – one neighbor – it will do the same with others.

Lt. Umfrage für öster. Privatsender, der ständig Talkshows macht mit Titeln die suggerieren, dass Europa Kriegstreiber ist, sagen 50% der Östereicher, dass "die EU zu wenig macht für Frieden" und, dass "man sich wieder Russland annähern soll" und, dass "Österreichet gespalten sind beim Krieg". Russland: Human Safari. Zivilisten ermorden. Leute jagen.

I was briefed by representatives of the Bring Kids Back UA team, Oleksandr Bevz and Maksym Maksymov, on the results of the initiative’s work. In total, since the start of the initiative, more than 2,100 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia have been brought back. Of them, 150 have been returned since the beginning of this year. I thank all partners who are helping us in this effort. We also discussed support for our efforts at the level of international organizations. Recently, for the first time at the UN level, the deportation and forced transfer of our children was classified as a crime against humanity. This is very important, and this work must continue. We are preparing for the meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children at the ministerial level, which will take place on May 11 in Brussels. We are counting on broad participation, concrete decisions, and practical support from our partners.