Austria’s Ex-Foreign Minister Flees to Russia by Kremlin Military Jet With Her Ponies

Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl, who left Europe after her tenure ended, is now living in Russia under circumstances that have drawn renewed scrutiny following controversial remarks about her home country.

According to the Austrian outlet Heute, citing reporting by DATUM, Kneissl has faced criticism in Austria after publicly referring to the country as a “hyena” and commenting on Adolf Hitler’s origins. The remarks have prompted political calls in Vienna to consider revoking her citizenship.

According to Heute, Kneissl’s relocation to Russia was facilitated with direct involvement from Russian state structures. The report states that her transfer was coordinated through senior Kremlin officials, including the head of the presidential administration, Anton Vaino.

Kneissl traveled to Russia via the Khmeimim airbase in Syria aboard a Russian military Il-76 aircraft—typically used for transporting military equipment. The aircraft reportedly also carried her animals, including two ponies.

In a letter cited by DATUM and referenced by Heute, Kneissl wrote: “I am deeply grateful for the comprehensive support in organizing my relocation to Saint Petersburg via the Khmeimim airbase.” She also noted that she and her animals were received “like close relatives.”

Kneissl had previously stated she left Austria due to threats against her safety. Her ties to Russia date back to her time in office, including her appearance at her 2018 wedding where Russian leader Vladimir Putin was a guest.

Kneissl initially spent time in France and Lebanon before relocating to Russia in 2023. Upon arrival, she was reportedly offered multiple housing options, rejecting around 20 properties before selecting a residence.

According to the same reports, Kneissl currently lives in a rural area near Moscow, where she resides in a wooden house with facilities for animals. Russian sources cited by Heute estimate her monthly income at approximately €18,000. She has also been appointed to a role related to a conservation program for the Amur tiger.

The level of support provided to a former foreign official from a Western country is unusual. Russian investigative journalist Andrei Soldatov, referenced in the report, stated that foreign political figures relocating to Russia are typically subject to restrictions, whereas Kneissl appears to operate under different conditions.

A Western intelligence representative cited in DATUM and referenced by Heute assessed that Kneissl is under the personal protection of Russian leadership.

Kneissl previously served as Austria’s foreign minister from 2017 to 2019 and later held a position on the board of Russian state energy company Rosneft. Her connections to Russia have been a point of political debate in Austria and across Europe since her time in office.

Earlier reports have also pointed to Russia serving as a destination for foreign leaders in times of crisis. As reported by citing Al-Jarida, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was “reportedly secretly airlifted to Moscow by a Russian military plane” for medical treatment following injuries sustained during airstrikes.

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