Former Austrian foreign minister lands seven cushy jobs after moving to Russia

The Insider said Kneissl’s average monthly income in Russia is RUB1.7 million ($21,350). As foreign minister she was paid about $20,500 a month. Based on leaked documents analyzed by the journalists, her annual income in Russia exceeds RUB20 million ($253,000)

The Insider says Kneissl’s reported income comes from seven jobs, including a position with Kremlin’s international propaganda arm Russia Today, in addition to several think-tanks and cultural organizations. The report notes that all her employers are either controlled by or linked to the Russian government.

In 2024 she published a book, Requiem for Europe, in which she wrote that she “regrettably recognizes the final decline” of the Europe, citing common right-wing cultural grievances. During her tenure in government, she advocated for closer ties with Moscow and maintains a close relationship with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. The dictator attended her 2018 wedding and danced with bride.