Former Austrian Minister Who Danced with Putin Now Living in Russia Amid Criticism
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Former Austrian foreign minister Karin Kneissl danced with Putin at her wedding in 2018. She has now moved to Russia.
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Kneissl was criticized for her pro-Russia views while serving as Austria's foreign minister from 2017-2019.
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In June 2022, after Russia invaded Ukraine, Kneissl moved her belongings from France to Lebanon. She says she was "banished" from France.
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Kneissl has set up a think tank in St. Petersburg associated with a state university there. She says she moved to Russia due to the time required for the think tank.
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Kneissl believes her relocation is becoming a political issue in Austria and Germany amid their economic crises. She criticizes the "hatred" coming from Austria.