In a recent visit to Vienna, the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, met with Austria’s First Lady, Doris Schmidauer, to discuss ongoing support initiatives for Ukrainians. The meeting highlighted Austria’s commitment to providing recovery and rehabilitation opportunities for Ukrainian youth, marking the fourth consecutive year of such support.

During her visit, Zelenska explored Austria’s barrier-free initiatives, visiting the U2/U5 Info Center to learn about the integration of inclusivity within urban transport infrastructure. She also toured a day center dedicated to elderly and disabled individuals. “Austrian experience in barrier-free mobility is crucial for Ukraine’s ‘Movement Without Barriers’ project,” Zelenska stated, expressing gratitude for the inspiration and knowledge shared by Austria.

The trip also featured the launch of the seventh Ukrainian-language audio guide in Austria, located at Vienna’s Leopold Museum, and the 103rd globally. Zelenska emphasized the importance of cultural presence as a resistance to Russian aggression: “Promoting the Ukrainian language at world landmarks is a form of cultural resistance to Russian aggression.”

Additionally, the First Lady met with the Ukrainian community in Vienna, underscoring the importance of the audio guide project in helping Ukrainians abroad feel connected and supported. “The project ensures our people never feel like strangers and aids in exploring new cultures,” she noted.