News - Middle East: More than 20 lawmakers from Austria’s pro-Russia Freedom Party (FPO) have walked out of the lower house of parliament during a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The FPO politicians protested that Zelensky's speech on Thursday violated Austria's neutrality in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.  

Zelensky addressed the chamber via video link from Ukraine and thanked Austria for its humanitarian aid and help with projects such as clearing land mines.

Ahead of his speech, the MPs warned they would hold some form of a demonstration against his remarks.

Australia says its principle of neutrality prevents it from military involvement in the conflict and it cannot send the country weapons in its fight against the Russian forces. 

Austria has previously said it supports Ukraine politically but cannot help its defense militarily.

The FPO politicians had warned days before that it would protest against Zelensky’s address. The lawmakers attended the start of the speech and then left.

“It is sad that the FPO is the only party in parliament that takes our ever-lasting neutrality seriously, thereby also standing up for peace,” FPO leader Herbert Kickl said in a statement on Tuesday.

The lawmakers left small placards on their desks featuring the party logo and either “space for neutrality” or “space for peace”.