First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and Ukraine's representative in the humanitarian subgroup [of the Trilateral Contract Group on Donbas] Iryna Gerashchenko says there is a powerful pro-Russia group lobbying Austria's government.

"There is a powerful pro-Russia lobby in Austria, where there are many former Party of Regions members, who take every opportunity to besmirch Ukraine's image. That's why the Vienna focus of our international affairs policy requires increased attention," Gerashchenko said on her Facebook page.

She also said in Austria a great number of politicians stand for weakening or dropping sanctions against Russia.

"They argue the following: We do not have doubts about Russia's influence on the conflict in Donbas, and we condemn the annexation of Crimea, but sanctions have not worked and therefore these arguments are not working and it is necessary to find new means to make peace by talking with Moscow," Gerashchenko said.