Australian Ambassador to Ukrainian to Remain in Poland Despite Ukraine’s Preference for Kyiv

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

Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia says the reinstatement of an envoy in Kyiv would help boost the relationship between the two nations as the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion approaches.

Australia’s ambassador has been stationed in Poland for the past year, after leaving Ukraine when Russian troops massed at the border ahead of Moscow’s invasion in February.

Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko says Australia could be missing out on vital information and meetings by not being on the ground, stating his government’s wish for Australian diplomats to move back to Ukraine.

“There could be lots of co-ordination between Five Eyes ambassadors,” he told AAP. “There could also be other meetings for ambassadors that can only take place in person.”

He said being on the ground would enable Australia to better co-ordinate with G7 countries, with a reliance on foot traffic through Warsaw—where the ambassador is stationed—making it harder to maintain diplomatic ties.

“I want to take our relationship to a new level with complete representation,” he said.

“Both countries would be better off if we have a physical presence there. It will be in both the interests of Australia and Ukraine.”

Australia Cites Security Advice for Decision

Foreign affairs department secretary Jan Adams defended her decision to withhold the ambassador from going back to Ukraine despite other nations returning, saying she was being guided by security advice.

Fronting a parliamentary inquiry, Adams said the situation on the ground hadn’t improved in recent months with missiles striking Kyiv as recently as last week.

She said the embassy in Poland was operating “satisfactorily” and Australia continued to work effectively with its partners.

Myroshnychenko said while the decision ultimately resided with the Australian government and foreign affairs department, he would work towards improving the relationship no matter the decision.

Parliamentarians joined the ambassador on the floor of the chamber to express solidarity with Ukraine, with the government flagging it will not abandon aid to the war-torn country as the conflict drags on.

The United States is set to announce further security and economic assistance packages for Ukraine after a meeting between Secretary of State Antony Blinken Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Germany.

The ambassador is due to deliver a speech at the National Press Club on Friday to mark the one-year anniversary of the invasion.