Austria has banned the Ukrainian Embassy from recruiting fighters on its Internet sites.

This became known these days when the Foreign Ministry answered a parliamentary question from the right-wing FPÖ.

Accordingly, on March 9, it was learned that the Facebook page of the Ukrainian embassy in Vienna called on foreigners to take part in the defense of the country attacked by Russia.

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) then "clearly" communicated to the Ukrainian ambassador that these calls contradicted the Austrian legal system and should be removed.

That was followed.

Stephen Lowenstein

Political correspondent based in Vienna.

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The FPÖ criticizes that diplomatic representations "are misused to recruit legionnaires".

The FPÖ deputy Christian Hafenecker told the FAZ: "We assume that recruitment also took place in Austria."

The FPÖ has had a cooperation agreement with the ruling party of Russian President Putin since 2016.

She states that no joint activities are currently taking place, but takes a critical stance against Austria's (indirect) involvement in EU financing of arms for Ukraine and against sanctions against Russia.

According to the response to the inquiry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has "no information" on whether Austrians have actually joined the Ukrainian defense forces.

Prague takes a different path

According to Austrian law, "the formation of a volunteer corps and the operation of an advertising agency" is prohibited and carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.

However, a complaint against members of the Ukrainian embassy was out of the question because of diplomatic immunity.

Austrians who join a foreign legion or take part in battles in other organized armed formations will have their citizenship revoked – if they have another.

The Czech Republic, which forbids its citizens to take part in military operations abroad under penalty of punishment, has taken a different approach.

There is the possibility of an exemption from the head of state.

After consultations with Prime Minister Petr Fiala, President Miloš Zeman signed a resolution last week allowing 103 Czechs to volunteer to join the Ukrainian troops.