Austrian Chancellor Pessimistic After Meeting With Putin

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he was “rather pessimistic” on the prospects for peace in Ukraine after meeting Putin in Moscow on Monday, citing a spiral of violence emerging in Ukraine’s east.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Nehammer defended his decision to meet the Russian President as a way to confront him with war crimes committed in Ukraine. He called the talks “direct, honest and tough,” and signalled European solidarity.

Nehammer is the first European leader to meet Putin in person since the war started.

Bloomberg Quicktake brings you live global news and original shows spanning business, technology, politics and culture. Make sense of the stories changing your business and your world.

Connect with us on…

[Jdonovan]

I didn’t know that all Austrian men sound like schwarzenegger

[briley]

He told Putin, "I'll be back."

[jeditanker]

He went to Ukraine and saw the devastation. putin can't use the same line of bs with him, and I think Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer going to see him in person is probably the most effective diplomatic move yet. Progress was doubtful, but the effort was made and humanity should appreciate that. thank you for trying

[olegstens]

I wish more people would listen to those who have personally dealt with Putin. Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who spent 10 years in a Russian prison, said it best: Putin respects force. You need to show force if you want Putin to take you seriously. Mr. Nehammer did not do so which doomed the meeting from the start.

[wallykimball]

Does anybody think that talking with Putin is going to solve anyting?

[mikeblack]

France, Turkey, and Australia tried talking to Putin to no avail, the only person he might listen too is Jinping, but that’s not going to happen. The Chinese been watching this for a while now, they want to see how it plays out.

[cpcattin]

An honest politician. He is clearly disgusted.

[janedoe]

Putin has to go, one way or another. Shame he made himself into a villain, he could have done good things for Russia.

[michaels]

Meeting with Putin? Let’s have that location please

[oasis]

What did he expect? Negotiation isn't on Putin's table. He only uses "negotiation" when it suits him.

[Saffiros]

Time for assassins’ creed to be mobilized

[candyhui]

No point to bother about him anymore - hopeless

[eb]

At some point the EU will wake-up, but not until Putin is marching down the Champs-Elysees.

[charlesrobert]

I give credit to Austria for trying to resolve the conflict, they were the first country invaded in World War 2 and would want peace if at all possible. If president Putin ignores all efforts to stop the invasion ( even China is not openly supporting it ) then its obvious Ukraine will fight on with worldwide support. If Russia attacks civilian centers then NATO must order a no fly zone to protect itself as well as Ukraine.

[johnbea]

Where are "The Expendables" when you need them?

[hikingviking]

Anyone expecting diplomacy from Putin is seriously naive. He can’t back out now.

[typedef]

I mean don't even bother to talk to him. He is done and will spend rest of his life in the bunker.

[keiths]

Mr. P must be stopped - 1 person must go for the good of the 8 billion

[cjohnson]

This guy sounds alot like Schwarzenegger.🤪

[jackieb]

HOW WOULD YOU THINK A CONVERSATION WITH THE DEVIL WOULD CHANGE HIS