Australia's ambassador is set to return to Kyiv next month, marking almost three years since the embassy's evacuation due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This move underscores Australia's commitment to supporting Ukraine during ongoing tensions.
Next month, Australia’s ambassador will make his return to Kyiv, marking nearly three years since the embassy was evacuated due to Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine. This announcement, made by Foreign Minister Penny Wong during her inaugural visit to Ukraine since the commencement of the unprovoked invasion, comes in response to persistent appeals from Ukraine, including a direct request from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, urging Australia to move its diplomatic efforts from Poland back to Ukraine.
The timing of the visit and the subsequent reopening of the embassy holds significant importance, as Wong emphasized, “such an important time for your country and for the future of your people,” particularly due to the considerable uncertainty surrounding the potential implications of US President-elect Donald Trump on the ongoing conflict.
Wong conveyed that the ambassador, Paul Lehmann, who has been in Kyiv for this visit, is set to return next month. This return will precede the full resumption of embassy operations expected in the forthcoming months. During her visit, Wong reiterated her condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin's “unprovoked, unjustified and immoral invasion,” labeling him a “coward” for employing Russia’s veto power as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to thwart international disapproval.
In her remarks on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT), she remarked on Putin’s "new lows" in inviting North Korea to collaborate in efforts to gain an upper hand in the war. Wong also stressed the interconnectedness of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security, affirming that “Australia stands with Ukraine, and we want you to end this war on your own terms.” She expressed a strong desire for Ukrainians to experience peace, allowing them to rebuild both their lives and their nation.
The Australian embassy staff were initially instructed to evacuate from Kyiv to Lviv at the onset of 2022 as apprehensions about Russia's invasion escalated. Subsequently, they were relocated to Warsaw as the situation deteriorated further.
When questioned about whether the delay in reopening the embassy could have negatively impacted bilateral relations, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reiterated that it had not. He expressed gratitude for the embassy’s reopening, noting, “It’s an important factor in deepening the bilateral relationship as the ambassador can get information firsthand, and more direct communication.” He emphasized that this move also represents a show of solidarity with Ukraine, acknowledging the understanding Australian citizens have regarding the difficulties faced by the Ukrainian populace.
Lehmann expressed his happiness at the prospect of returning to Ukraine, recognizing the significant contributions made by Canadian diplomats in facilitating the re-establishment of the Australian embassy.
Wong further announced a considerable contribution of $66 million to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, aimed at aiding Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery, alongside an additional $10 million designated for the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. “We are unwavering in our support for the people of Ukraine,” she declared, affirming Australia’s commitment to the cause. She added, “Australia stands with you, and we hope that I can return here and see a peaceful, stable Ukraine that has achieved an end to this war on your own terms.”
The situation within Ukraine remains complex, as both factions vie for a strategic advantage on the battlefield, which might provide leverage in any forthcoming negotiations to conclude the nearly three-year-long conflict. Recently, Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials have been actively engaging with Trump, seeking to ensure continued support from his administration.
Trump has been vocally critical of US Democrats for expediting the disbursement of funding already earmarked for Ukraine in order to counter Russia's invasion before his inauguration on January 20. He previously referred to the recent Biden administration's decision to allow Ukrainian forces to utilize American long-range weaponry to strike deeper into Russian-held areas as "stupid," expressing disappointment over not being consulted regarding this matter.
This past Monday, Trump reiterated his stance, urging both Zelenskyy and Putin to negotiate a resolution to the war while describing the widespread death and suffering resulting from the conflict as "carnage." However, he acknowledged the challenges involved in achieving an immediate resolution to the war, which he had once claimed he could successfully negotiate within a mere 24 hours of assuming office.
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