WATCH: Austrian Politicians Walk Out of Zelensky Speech in Protest

During a virtual address to the Austrian Parliament by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Austrian Freedom Party (FPO) members walked out of the meeting hall.

In response to the walkout, a statement was issued by the FPO, saying that “It’s sad that the FPO is the only party in parliament that takes our ever-lasting neutrality seriously, thereby also standing up for peace.”

The FPO’s departure has sparked quite the reaction. The incident highlighted the delicate balance between neutrality and international relations for Austria, as well as the continuing conflict with Ukraine and the rest of the world.

The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) is a conservative political party in Austria and has been a major political force in Austria, especially in recent years. In the 2017 parliamentary elections, the party won 26% of the vote and became the third-largest party in the National Council.

WATCH:

JUST IN: Austrian politicians walk out of the parliament hall in protest as Ukrainian President Zelensky begins to give them a speech.pic.twitter.com/4G536jjT0r

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 30, 2023

Lawmakers from Austria's highest polling party, the nationalist FPÖ, walk out of a virtual address by Volodymyr Zelensky to the Austrian Parliament.

They say the speech violates Austria's principle of neutrality.#WellDone #TheyKnowTheTruth pic.twitter.com/99azi0YFpr

— NinnyD 🇬🇧❤️🇺🇸 Waiting~4~the Revolution (@ninnyd101) March 30, 2023