Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on Friday that he discussed the export of grains, as well as the issues of gas and prisoners during a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Nehammer insisted that Vienna is "clearly positioned" on the side of Ukraine against the "aggressor" that is Russia. He noted Putin signaled he is ready to address food shortages by allowing exports via Ukrainian seaports, but remained unsure whether the Russian leader meant what he said. Nehammer added he responded to Putin's claims that Europe is to blame for the economic consequences of sanctions by saying there would be no sanctions had Russia not started the "war."
The Austrian official also stated Putin expressed readiness to discuss a prisoner exchange with Ukraine and give the Red Cross access to prisoners of war.
