Australia Provides $31 Million to Ukraine Following Albanese Call With Zelenskyy

Members of the Australian-Ukrainian community carry a Ukrainian flag during a protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Sydney on Feb. 26, 2022. (Steven Saphore/AFP via Getty Images)

The Albanese government will provide a further $31 million to the Ukraine including energy and humanitarian assistance amid the ongoing war with Russia.

This follows demands from the Ukraine to provide energy help ahead of the winter for six months and a phone call between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on May 29.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko took to social media on May 31 to express gratitude for the extra help from Australia.

The assistance follows calls from Mr. Myroshnychenko and the Opposition to help the Ukraine with energy needs amid the upcoming winter.

Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko (C), joined by Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton (R), speaks during a press conference at the Amberley Air Base in Ipswich, Australia, on April 8, 2022. (Dan Peled/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Coalition Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham and Shadow Minister for Resources Susan McDonald said the Ukraine support “should have been sooner.”

Overall, the Australian government has provided more than $1 billion to the Ukraine amid the war, including $880 million worth of military help.

Where Will the $31 Million Go?

The taxpayer-funded assistance includes $20 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to provide heat and electricity for Ukrainians. This fund was jointly established by the European Commission and Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy.

“The fund coordinates international donations, and in partnership with Ukraine’s Government, ensures contributions meet Ukraine’s highest priority energy needs,” the government said.

In addition, $10 million of emergency humanitarian funding will be provided to the United Nations to increase access to essentials such as water, food, and shelter.

“Australia also recognises the need for life-saving assistance, and support for vulnerable populations including women, children, older people, and people with disabilities,” the government said.

An extra $1 million will be provided to a United Nations partnership on the rights of persons with disabilities.

Australia also demanded an end to Russia’s “illegal and senseless war” as they announced extra funding for the Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia’s $20 million contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund would be used to meet the highest priority energy needs and support the Ukrainian people.

“As Russia intensifies its brutal attacks on the people of Ukraine, we also recognise the need for life-saving humanitarian assistance,” Ms. Wong said.

“The Albanese Government is unwavering in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Minister for International Development Pat Conroy said the Ukrainian people had displayed extraordinary strength and courage as they defended their territory and sovereignty.

“The Australian Government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine and contributing alongside partner nations so that Ukraine can end this conflict on its terms,” he said.

“We are proud to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and provide further support in the face of Russia’s deplorable aggression.”

Ukraine Ambassador to Australia Welcomes Support

Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia Mr. Myroshnychenko described the assistance from Australia as “timely” in a post to X on May 31.

“I would like to express my utmost gratitude to the government of Australia and Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong personally for announcing a $31 million package of assistance for Ukraine,” he said.

This comes after Mr. Myroshnychenko raised concerns on May 26 that he had asked Australia for help with energy needs six months ago, and had not received a reply.

“Ukraine pleaded for help from Australia six months ago. It hasn’t received a reply,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

He said at the time the Ukraine needed an all-year-round supply of thermal coal, explaining “It’s not a choice, it’s rather a lifeline.”

“While Russians are killing us on a daily basis, winter is going to kill more people and winter is coming,” he said on ABC television.

“It’s also a matter of producing electricity which is necessary for the defence industry to make sure that we can keep on going, that our economy can keep on operating, so it’s a matter of survival for us.”

Coalition Offers Unwavering Support For the Ukraine

The Coalition said their support for the Ukraine in the war against the Russian invasion is “absolute and unwavering.”

However, Shadow Foreign Minister Mr. Birmingham and Shadow Resources Minister Ms. McDonald said questions need to be answered by the government.

The Coalition want to know why it has taken six months to respond to a request for more coal, and why money in a fund is better for the Ukraine than Australian coal on a ship, as the Ukraine requested.

“This is a war and Australia’s responsiveness to Ukraine’s requests should be swift, not drawn out and delayed,” Mr. Birmingham and Ms. McDonald said.

“Ukraine’s request for coal gathered dust in Australia through one long, cold winter and the Albanese Government needs to explain how this funds transfer is preferable to giving the actual coal that Ukraine asked for.

“Ukraine’s war is not only about Ukraine, but about international respect for sovereignty and borders, along with demonstrating democratic determination to defeat authoritarian states when they attack others.”

“Since establishing Australia as the leading non-NATO country contributor to Ukraine’s defence, the Coalition has consistently supported further assistance, while urging the Albanese government to maintain a leading approach,” Mr. Birmingham and Mr. Hastie said on April 28.