Video - Austria’s far-right lawmakers walk out of Zelensky’s address to parliament

During a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, members of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) left the lower house of Austria’s parliament.

The politicians from the Freedom Party (FPÖ) argued Mr Zelensky's speech violated Austria's neutrality.

They warned ahead of the speech they would hold some form of protest against the address.

Austria has previously said it cannot help Ukraine's defence militarily, but does support Kyiv politically

Although Austria supports Ukraine politically, it is prevented by its neutrality from military involvement in the conflict and is unable to supply the country with weapons in its fight against the Russian invasion.

Austrian neutrality

Austria’s long-standing and constitutionally protected neutrality was tested during Russia’s invasion of its neighbour, prompting questions about the meaning of neutrality and whether Austria should remain a neutral country. 

Chancellor Karl Nehammer of the centre-right ÖVP has repeatedly stated that Austria’s neutrality is non-negotiable. However, the country appears to have adopted a new form of neutrality, which includes military support, but not political support, for Ukraine, with the provision of aid and supplies but no weapons or tanks. 

The president of Austria's lower house of parliament, Wolfgang Sobotka, pledged more financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and said the country deserved Austria's solidarity.

But as Mr Zelensky spoke, a group of politicians walked out and left placards on their desk with the party logo that read "space for neutrality" and "space for peace".

There are 30 FPÖ politicians in Austria's lower chamber and they were the only party to oppose Mr Zelensky's address. However, a number of MPs from the centre-left Social Democrats were also missing from the chamber.