Australia Reopens Ukraine Embassy, Delivers Extra $76 Million

Australia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Penny Wong speaks as she delivers a joint press-conference with Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs following their meeting in Kyiv, on Dec. 18, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has revealed the Australian embassy in Ukraine will reopen at the start of January 2025, signalling Australia’s continued support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Wong will also deliver more than $76 million (US$47 million) in taxpayer funds to help people in the Ukraine, taking total support to more than $1.5 billion.

The package includes $66 million to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, which will help with Ukraine’s vital recovery and reconstruction efforts.

In addition, the Australian government will provide $10 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund which will provide heat and electricity for people in the Ukraine.

The Opposition has been calling for Australia’s ambassador to Ukraine to return to Kyiv for months after it was moved to Warsaw, Poland, due to safety concerns.

Wong visited the site of Australia’s embassy in Kyiv and expressed Australia’s unwavering solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

“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,” she said.

“From next month, Australia’s Ambassador, as well as our Deputy Head of Mission, will return to Kyiv.”

During the trip, Wong also met with Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Energy Minister Roman Andarak.

Wong said during her visit, she also met families at Save Ukraine, where she offered another $80,000 to help families and children.

“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,” Wong said.

“Today and every day, Australia stands with Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.”

In a press conference, Wong reiterated Australia stands with Ukraine and wants the nation to end the war on its own terms.

“We want Ukrainians to live in peace, to be able to rebuild their lives and their homeland. Now, Australia, as I said, we are on the other side of the world, but we have been a partner,” she said.

‘More Direct Communication’: Ukraine Foreign Minister

Ukraine Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Ukraine deeply appreciates Australia’s decision.

“It always is an important factor in deepening the bilateral relationship because the Ambassador can always get the information firsthand. It always creates the possibility to have more direct communication,” he said.

“So, of course, it is a very important step. The Australian diplomats, Australian friends, share all the challenges, all the hardships endured by the Ukrainian people.”

“Supporting Ukraine is in the interests of Australia because it strengthens the stability not only in the European space but also in the Pacific region.”

‘Too Late’: Opposition

Meanwhile, Liberal Home Affairs spokesman James Paterson said the Albanese government’s reopening of the Kyiv embassy was “far too late.”

“After it became apparent that they were able to do so and repel Russia’s initial invasion, we should have immediately reopened the embassy as our many like-minded partners did, including Canada,” he told Sky News.

“They reopened their embassy in May 2022. President Zelensky has been privately urging the Australian government to do this for some time. He publicly urged them to do so in February 2023.”

In late August, Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Birmingham promised the Coalition would reopen the embassy in Kyiv if elected.

Birmingham, who will be leaving politics at the next election, met with Ukrainian ministers and witnessed the war’s impact on the ground.

“We’ve been clear for some time that Australia’s ambassador to Ukraine should ideally be in Ukraine. Instead, we’ve got a situation where the Albanese government is still paying rent for an Australian embassy in the Canadian embassy in Kyiv, he said at the time.

“Now we’ve seen around 70 countries reopen their embassies in Kyiv to make sure that they are in the best possible position to receive intelligence briefings, analysis, and information in real-time.

“And to be there for face-to-face briefings with the Ukrainian government that Australia misses out on because we don’t have that presence here.”