Austria declines to close Russian Cultural Institute in Vienna, diverging from Germany

Austria's federal government has decided not to close the Russian Cultural Institute in Vienna, despite Germany's move to shutter the 'Russian House' in Berlin. The decision reflects Austria's continued policy of maintaining cultural and diplomatic ties with Russia, even as other European states tighten restrictions. This divergence may signal a softer Austrian stance within the EU's Russia policy, potentially complicating unified Western responses.