The country's military industry has been neglected for decades.
During a joint press conference with Vladimir Zelensky, Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen said that the country would not provide Ukrainian troops with weapons because the state military industry has been abandoned for decades.
"Because of this, we do not see the possibility that we can supply arms," van der Bellen explained.
At the same time, he said, Austria does not prevent other states from sending weapons to Ukraine. The president explained these actions by his desire to comply with the EU policy, as well as the constitutionally secured neutral status of the country.
In his turn, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed confidence that the Austrian authorities could still find a way to provide military assistance to the Kiev regime.