MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. Austrian politicians and media are stoking Russophobia, while ordinary Austrians support friendly ties with Russia, Austrian political analyst and member of the executive bureau of the International Russophile Movement Patrick Poppel said at the International Week of the Peoples of Russia.

"There is historical Russophobia in Ukraine, in some parts of Poland and in the Baltic countries. But there is also so-called artificial Russophobia. For example, Austria, my country, is a neutral state. Russians felt safe here after World War II, but now they are experiencing Russophobia. Why? Because this is the only result of soft power: the elites, politicians and media create and fuel this Russophobia," the expert said.

He said the views of ordinary citizens differ sharply from those of the establishment. "Ordinary people, Austrians, are actually in favor of Russia. Many like Russia, and many even love it. But the establishment, politicians and media are creating this Russophobia among our population," Poppel stressed.

The International Week "Peoples of Russia" is being held under a decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and coincides with National Unity Day, celebrated on November 4. The event is coordinated by the Russian Security Council Office. Discussions will focus on the unity of the peoples, historical memory and continuity between generations, service to the Fatherland and responsibility for its future, and strong families.

The International Week will gather representatives of government bodies, international organizations, the business, academic and expert communities, as well as cultural and public figures from Russia. It will also host around 50 participants from 35 countries, both near and far abroad, including countries deemed unfriendly by Russia.

TASS is the event’s strategic information partner.