Today I travelled to Kyiv to express Australia's unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and announce further support to assist them in response to Russia's brutal, illegal war.
Australia has unequivocally condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and provided more than $1.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the full-scale conflict began in February 2022.
In Kyiv, I met with Ukraine's Prime Minister Shmyhal, Foreign Minister Sybiha, Defence Minister Umerov and Energy Minister Galushchenko and announced that the Albanese Government is building on our commitment to Ukraine with the following:
- Australia will provide $66 million to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, to assist with Ukraine's vital recovery and reconstruction efforts.
- Australia will also contribute $10 million in assistance to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to provide heat and electricity for Ukrainians.
I also visited the site of Australia's Embassy in Kyiv that was closed by the Morrison Government in 2022, where I was updated on the progress of work to enable the full return of Australia's diplomatic presence.
The Albanese Government has always said we would reopen our Embassy in Kyiv when it is safe to do so. I was pleased to announce we are reopening the Embassy.
From next month, Australia's Ambassador as well as our Deputy Head of Mission will return to Kyiv.
During my visit, I met families at 'Save Ukraine' - a community organisation that supports vulnerable Ukrainian families and children that have been damaged by this terrible conflict where I told them Australia will contribute $80,000 to help facilitate their work.
What happens to Ukraine matters to Australians. Ukraine's fight against Russia has consequences for our national security and the security of the Indo-Pacific.
Today and every day, Australia stands with Ukraine against Russia's aggression.
