The Russian Embassy in Vienna, Austria. Christian Wind/NBC News
NBC: Austria's tilt toward Russia worries intelligence experts
A pro-Moscow party is responsible for Austria's intelligence services, raising fears that Western secrets might be leaked to Vladimir Putin's government.
VIENNA — In a 19th-century kaffeehaus here, a handful of political activists nod their heads while sharing opinions many would consider racist, homophobic and awash with conspiracy theories.
One topic is never far from their lips: These men believe that historically neutral Austria should turn its back on the West and embrace Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"It's our aim to somehow counter this negative image of Russia propagated in Western media," Alexander Markovics, 26, says between sips of fizzy apple juice.
"We have to take the side of Russia," the stocky and bearded Markovics adds. "Russia is a country that gets oppressed and is actually the victim of Western imperialism."
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WNU Editor: Austria is not the only country in Europe that is tilting towards Russia. There has been a political shift this year from many major political parties and governments in Europe for a softening line towards Moscow .... and this is probably because polling numbers and surprising election results are telling politicians that this is what the people want. German Chancellor Merkel's trip to meet Russian President Putin in Sochi earlier this week is a reflection on European countries wanting better relations with Putin .... and to top it all off .... French President Macron is seeing Putin today.
