Former Austrian Foreign Minister Kneissl Describes Life in Rural Russia
Former Austrian foreign minister Karin Kneissl, who now lives in a village in Russia's Ryazan region, has spoken openly in an interview about local social problems and a surprising sense of freedom in her daily life. She stresses she will not become a Russian citizen but has no plans to leave the country.
Karin Kneissl, Austria's former foreign minister who now lives in the Russian countryside in the Ryazan region, has given an interview describing her daily life and impressions since relocating. Kneissl drew international attention in 2018 when Russian President Vladimir Putin attended her wedding to Austrian businessman Wolfgang Meilinger and danced with her — an event that sparked strong criticism in the West. The couple later divorced.
After moving to Russia, Kneissl deliberately chose to settle in the countryside rather than in a gated community near Moscow or St. Petersburg, noting she had previously lived in rural areas of Austria, France and Lebanon.
Surprised by social problems
The former minister admits that life in the Russian countryside has proven more difficult than expected. She was struck by how few working-age people, roughly 15 to 50 years old, are visible in the villages, with mostly children and elderly residents present. Kneissl particularly highlights alcoholism as a serious problem, saying what pains her most is seeing children suffer because of their parents' dependency, including cases where money meant for food is spent on alcohol instead.
Still seen as an outsider
While she says she has been fortunate with her neighbors, many locals still regard her as a stranger, and various rumors circulate about her, including the perception that she is a walking source of money. She regularly attends the local church, though she emphasizes she has not converted to Orthodoxy.
Feels freer than in the West
One of Kneissl's most striking claims is that she feels freer in everyday life in Russia than in Western Europe. She cites being able to walk her dog freely, go wherever she wants, and even sit alone at a train station late at night while feeling safe. At the same time, she makes clear she will not become a Russian citizen, saying that at 61 she does not see herself suddenly becoming Russian. Despite the difficulties, she says she has no intention of leaving Russia, having already invested years of time, money and work into restoring her house.
