A former Austrian foreign minister relocated to Russia aboard a Kremlin military aircraft - and brought her ponies along for the ride. The absurd detail makes the story memorable, but the security implications for EU member states are deadly serious.
Karin Kneissl, who served as Austria's foreign minister from 2017 to 2019, traveled from Syria's Khmeimim airbase to Saint Petersburg on a Russian military Il-76 transport plane, according to Austrian media outlets Heute and DATUM. The aircraft carried not just Kneissl, but also her animals - including two ponies.
The relocation was facilitated by Kremlin officials at the highest level. Anton Vaino, head of the Russian presidential administration, personally coordinated her move. In correspondence cited by Austrian media, Kneissl expressed gratitude for "comprehensive support in organizing my relocation to Saint Petersburg via the Khmeimim airbase."
She now resides in a wooden house in a rural area near Moscow, complete with facilities for her animals. Russian sources estimate her monthly income at approximately €18,000. She holds a position related to Amur tiger conservation programs - though Brussels observers note the Kremlin rarely pays former Western officials for wildlife work alone.
This is the kompromat story that perfectly illustrates Russian infiltration in Western Europe.
Kneissl previously sat on Rosneft's board, the Russian state oil giant. During her tenure as foreign minister, she invited Vladimir Putin to her wedding - where the Russian president danced with the bride. That image became infamous across Europe as a symbol of Austria's uncomfortably cozy relationship with Moscow.
Her recent public statements have shocked even Austria's Russia-friendly political circles. She called Austria a "hyena" and made comments about Hitler's origins that prompted Austrian politicians to discuss potential citizenship revocation. She claimed she left Austria due to safety threats.
