Austria’s former Foreign Minister, Karin Kneissl, now lives in Russia and runs an analytical center at St. Petersburg University.
Her move sparked controversy, especially after Russian President Putin attended her 2018 wedding. Despite Western criticism, she believes sanctions against Russia are ineffective, and European leaders are realizing that.
Kneissl, accused of being too close to Russia, faces scrutiny in Austria and claims she won’t return until legal matters clear her name. She describes Putin as an intelligent gentleman.
Critics question her stance amid Russia’s domestic repression and the Ukraine invasion.
This information is sourced from a BBC interview with Kneissl.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67624834