Ukraine Ambassador Calls for ‘Long Term’ Support for Its War With Russia

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

Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko is calling on the Australian government to provide long-term support to fight Russia in the ongoing conflict.

Ambassador Myroshnychenko said to “defeat Putin on behalf of the West and behalf of Australia,” the Ukraine needs “conclusive military capabilities.”

The ambassador was speaking at a gathering with European Union ambassadors recognising the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine.

“There are similar arrangements with other countries so I would be very keen to talk and negotiate with the Australian government an opportunity for more long-term co-operation of what we can expect,” Mr. Myroshnychenko said, in quotes cited by AAP.

He said to defeat President Putin, the Ukraine would need “drone production and anti-drone equipment and mine clearing equipment.”

“The defence industry in Australia, it’s quite developed and quite advanced,” Mr. Myroshnychenko added.

The European Union delegation in Canberra held what was known as an Extraordinary Heads of Missions meeting, where they reflected on the ongoing war and message that the EU stands with Ukraine.

Ambassador Myroshnychenko exchanged with EU heads and discussed the “ongoing unprovoked and unjustified agression Ukrainians are enduring,” the EU said.

EU Says ‘Our Support Will Not Falter’

The European Union said they will “continue to provide strong, political, financial, economic humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to the Ukraine” and its people “for as long as it takes for the Ukraine to prevail.”

“Our support will not falter,” the EU said in a statement.

“The EU stands united in its unwavering support of Ukraine. We view Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which started in 2014 in the Donbas and Crimea, as an existential threat to Europe’s security. If Russia prevails, it will not stop at Ukraine’s borders.”

European Ambassador to Australia Gabriele Visentin, speaking after the meeting with Ambassador Myroshnychenko, reflected on the EU’s ongoing support to Ukraine.

“Today is evidence that even in Australia, the EU continues to provide its unwavering support to Ukraine. The EU has stood with Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression,” he said.

The EU noted Australia had been an “important non-NATO contributor to Ukraine, including a recent $50 million grant for military support.”

In terms of support, Australia is providing financial, military and material help via Operation Kudo, the EU noted.

Australia Announces Another $50 Million for the Ukraine

The federal Australian government announced a $50 million grant to the International Fund for Ukraine on Feb. 15. This takes Australia’s total contribution to the Ukraine to $980 million, including $780 million for Ukraine’s armed forces.

This International Fund for the Ukraine is overseen by the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence.

The fund uses partner contributions to obtain priority military equipment for Ukraine and ensure the continued supply of military support. This includes both lethal and non-lethal support in 2024 and beyond.

As part of Operation Kudo, Australian Defence Force personnel are training Ukrainian soldiers as part of an extended and expanded mission in the United Kingdom.

The Australian E-7A Wedgetail aircraft has also been deployed to Germany to protect an international gateway of military and humanitarian aid to the Ukraine.

At the time, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said, “Almost two years on from Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion, Australia continues to stand with Ukraine and our international partners in providing meaningful support to enable Ukraine to end this war on its own terms.”

“This contribution to the International Fund for Ukraine will help Ukraine procure the equipment it needs as a priority, delivering real-time effects on the battlefield.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Feb. 15 that Australia remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine to defend itself against “Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.”

“We stand with Ukraine in support of its courageous people and also in defence of a fundamental principle—the right of every sovereign nation to be secure in its own borders and to determine its own future,” Mr. Albanese said.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong added, “Australia steadfastly supports Ukraine in their fight for freedom, as they defend the fundamental principles that underpin a stable, peaceful and prosperous world.

“We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave Ukrainians who are defending their people, their territory, and their sovereignty.”

US Imposes Sanctions on Russia

Meanwhile, the United States is planning to impose more than 500 sanctions on Russia on Feb. 23,  following the death of Putin critic Alexei Navalny at the Arctic prison northeast of Moscow.

U.S. President Joe Biden, following a meeting with Mr. Nalvany’s widow and daughter in San Francisco, said the administration will be “announcing sanctions against Putin, who is responsible for his death.”

A high-level State Department official described these upcoming sanctions as “crushing.”

Australian Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham has called on the Albanese government to impose more sanctions on Putin to hold his government accountable.

“While the Coalition has welcomed the limited sanctions the government has imposed on countries since May 2022, in far too many cases Australia continues to lag behind our international partners and allies in using our sanctions regime to hold to account those responsible for human rights abuses,” Mr. Birmingham said in a letter to Ms. Wong quoted by The Australian.