Austria's Opposition to Russian Sanctions Puts EU's Unity at Risk

Austria is reportedly seeking to have Raiffeisen Bank International, the largest Western bank in Russia, removed from a Ukrainian blacklist in exchange for supporting fresh European Union sanctions on Russia. The move highlights Austria's strong economic ties with Russia and its reluctance to sever decades-old relations. While Austria publicly supports Ukraine, officials are hesitant to completely isolate Moscow, believing that relations can still be restored. Raiffeisen's presence in Russia has become a test of Western resolve to end ties with Russia, with the bank facing pressure to quit the country.