Australia to Reopen Embassy in Ukraine and Support the Country
World
Australia's ambassador to Ukraine, Paul Lehmann, and the deputy head of mission will return to Kyiv in January, as announced by Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Penny Wong.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong visited Ukraine. During her visit, she met with the host country's Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal, her counterpart Andrii Sybiha, and Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.
"Setting foot on Ukrainian soil, spending time in the capital, and engaging in direct dialogue with Ukrainians is the only way to understand the situation in Ukraine. Being in Ukraine allows one to feel the impact of Russia's war," Wong said.
Australia will provide $66 million to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to aid Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction efforts, as well as an additional $10 million to Ukraine's energy support fund to provide heating and electricity for civilians.
This brings Australia's total aid to Ukraine to over $1.5 billion since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. According to Wong, events in Ukraine also have significance for Australia.
"Ukraine's fight against Russia has implications for our national security and the security of the Indo-Pacific region," she stated. "Today and every day, Australia stands with Ukraine against Russia's aggression."
She also highlighted the growing ties between North Korea, China, and Russia, mentioning North Korea's provision of missiles and ammunition to Russia, China's dual-use goods, and even North Korean troops as potential threats to regional security.
"Australia's security depends on adherence to rules, norms, international law, and human rights, as well as a commitment to resolving disputes without the use of force. Actively defending these values is crucial," Wong emphasized.
During her visit, Wong also met with representatives of the "Save Ukraine" organization, which supports vulnerable families and children, announcing $80,000 in funding for the initiative.
"Setting foot on Ukrainian soil, spending time in the capital, and engaging in direct dialogue with Ukrainians is the only way to understand the situation in Ukraine. Being in Ukraine allows one to feel the impact of Russia's war," Wong said.
Australia will provide $66 million to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to aid Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction efforts, as well as an additional $10 million to Ukraine's energy support fund to provide heating and electricity for civilians.
This brings Australia's total aid to Ukraine to over $1.5 billion since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. According to Wong, events in Ukraine also have significance for Australia.
"Ukraine's fight against Russia has implications for our national security and the security of the Indo-Pacific region," she stated. "Today and every day, Australia stands with Ukraine against Russia's aggression."
She also highlighted the growing ties between North Korea, China, and Russia, mentioning North Korea's provision of missiles and ammunition to Russia, China's dual-use goods, and even North Korean troops as potential threats to regional security.
"Australia's security depends on adherence to rules, norms, international law, and human rights, as well as a commitment to resolving disputes without the use of force. Actively defending these values is crucial," Wong emphasized.
During her visit, Wong also met with representatives of the "Save Ukraine" organization, which supports vulnerable families and children, announcing $80,000 in funding for the initiative.
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