Austrian ex-minister waltzes to Russia with ponies in tow

Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl, known for dancing with Vladimir Putin at her wedding, is moving to St. Petersburg to lead a think tank she co-founded. The GORKI center aims to provide objective analysis and solutions to Russia's policy objectives. Kneissl has faced criticism for her close ties to Putin and her recent holiday in Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. She also criticized Austria's behavior towards Russia, comparing it to "schizophrenia." Austria, while endorsing EU sanctions against Russia, maintains commercial ties and imports Russian gas.