Former Austrian minister criticized for ties to Putin takes role leading Russian think tank

Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl is moving to St. Petersburg to lead a think tank she co-founded, the GORKI center.
The center aims to provide analysis to support Russia's policy goals and is affiliated with the university Putin attended.
Kneissl served as Austria's foreign minister from 2017-2019, nominated by the far-right Freedom Party.
She has drawn criticism for her close ties to Putin, including him attending her 2018 wedding.
Last week, an EU envoy accused Austria of paying "blood money" to Russia for gas imports, straining relations.

politico.eu

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9/13/2023

Austria's pro-Russian ex-minister flies ponies to Russia on military plane to join think tank

Former Austrian foreign minister Karin Kneissl, known for her pro-Russian stance, has relocated to St Petersburg with her two ponies to run a think tank at St Petersburg University.