Australia will reopen its embassy in Ukraine next month and has pledged another A$76 million in aid.
The aid will be divided between the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, which will support rebuilding efforts, and Ukraine’s energy support fund. This will bring Australia’s total financial support to Ukraine to A$1.5 billion.
“The Albanese government has always said we would reopen our embassy in Kyiv when it is safe to do so,” Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said in Ukraine.
“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.”
“Australian people understand the hardships suffered by the Ukrainian people and we welcome deeper bilateral relations,” said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Australian embassy staff were evacuated shortly after Russia’s invasion began in 2022, and have been working from Poland due to safety risks.
Technology and security arrangements are underway in preparation for a reopening, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said last week.
Almost 70 countries have reopened their embassies in Ukraine, including the United States and United Kingdom.
A parliamentary inquiry last month recommended reopening the Australian embassy.