Shady Horses of Russian Propaganda: Karin Kneissl, Austrian Former Minister of Foreign Affairs

Discreditation of Ukrainian counteroffensive ops and negotiation pressure. Karin Kneissl, Austrian ex-FM, Shady Horse of Russian Propaganda, 

The project Shady Horses delves into investigating Russian propaganda dissemination within Western countries through prominent individuals, often referred to as “talking heads.” 

By analyzing the influence and messaging of these figures, the project seeks to shed light on the tactics employed to spread Russian narratives, their impact on public opinion, and their potential connections to foreign organizations.


Karin Kneissl is a former Austrian Minister of Foreign Relations. Some see her as a significant advocate aligned with Russian propaganda because of her diplomatic stance, which mirrors narratives favorable to Russia. Moreover, her controversial invitation of Vladimir Putin to her wedding in 2018 raised eyebrows and fueled suspicions of a pro-Russian bias. 

She advocated for improved relations with Russia, often questioning the effectiveness of sanctions against Moscow, which some critics argue plays into Russia’s efforts to undermine European unity. 

Her tenure as Foreign Minister has raised concerns about the extent of her alignment with Russian interests and its impact on Austria’s foreign policy within the European Union. 

But most of the questions regarding her loyalties did disappear when Russia offered her the position of Independent Director in “Rosneft.”

Who is this person? ex-FM of Austria Karin Kneissl

Where is she from? Austria

Political affiliation? Far-right party “Austrian Party of Freedom” known for her pro-Russian, anti-immigration, and nationalistic views

What has she been saying?

“Key message “Compared with the efforts to provide resources for the counteroffensive, practically nothing is being done to shape what comes next.” EU, in its war obsession, doesn’t get it. Plus: Western diplomacy lacks talents&ideas After a failed UA counter offensive. Then what?”

Karin Kneissl, Former Austrian Minister of Foreign Relations

“I am now studying Russian, it has always been my dream. Each language opens a window to a new world, and this is the “Russkiy mir.” I’m very interested because it’s a new world.”

Karin Kneissl, Former Austrian Minister of Foreign Relations

“But my approach was not one of admiration as The Economist has (stated – HWAG). British journalism can be weirder than expected. When it comes to Ukraine, also sex work is heroism.

Karin Kneissl, Former Austrian Minister of Foreign Relations

“The NYT calls it a leak of authentic documents detailing NATO’s Ukraine war plans, Kyiv calls it a fake. A premeditated build-up for war by Nato in Ukraine? Some evidence is there. All correct leaks on blowing up NordStream would be helpful, too. Bad timing for the US”

Karin Kneissl, Former Austrian Minister of Foreign Relations

“E.M. Remarque’s anti-war novel of 1920s Nichts Neues im Westen Reloaded in Ukraine „…his unit had sustained, eighty percent of his men were new draftees. “They’re civilians with no experience,” he said. “If they give me ten, I’m lucky when three of them can fight.“”

Karin Kneissl, Former Austrian Minister of Foreign Relations

The proxy war in Ukraine is also between Finance vs. Energy One can print money. But it is impossible to print energy. In the mid-run, the energy side has the better cards. But all pay a heavy price. Who knows war, hates war.  Most wars end with exhaustion We need to talk asap.

Karin Kneissl, Former Austrian Minister of Foreign Relations

“The country is riddled with guns. The state (Ukraine – HWAG) is in a state of disintegration.

Karin Kneissl, Former Austrian Minister of Foreign Relations