On 24 February 2022, Russia launched its illegal and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It was a sharp escalation of the conflict which had commenced in 2014 with Russia’s seizure of Crimea and parts of east Ukraine. Russia’s ongoing aggression continues to impose immense human, economic and environmental costs on Ukraine. But the conflict also has global implications, including for Australia and the Indo-Pacific. North Korea’s deployment of combat troops to Russia makes stark the interconnectedness of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific.
The Australian Government is unwavering in its support to the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia's unprovoked and unjustifiable war. In the almost three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Australia has provided significant assistance to Ukraine, which has been recognised by the Government of Ukraine and our international partners. Australia has delivered this support by working closely across government, and in consultation with Ukraine and international partners in pursuit of two key objectives: 1) helping Ukraine to end the war on its own terms and 2) holding Russia accountable for its actions. In pursuit of these objectives, a coordinated whole of government effort has been central to the Government’s approach.
To date, Australia has committed more than $1.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine. This includes: $1.3 billion in material and financial assistance to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) - provided from Defence stocks and disposal processes, procurement from Australian defence industry and through grants to credible partnered funds; $85 million in humanitarian assistance; $66 million to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery and over $63 million to bolster Ukraine’s energy security. Additionally, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) continues to contribute to partner-led efforts to build AFU capability. The deployment of a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft to Europe from October 2023 to April 2024 contributed to protecting a key logistics node for Ukraine assistance.
Australia has also prioritised visa applications from Ukrainian nationals. Between 24 February 2022 and 30 November 2024, the Department of Home Affairs had granted over 20,300 visas to Ukrainians; of which nearly 19,300 visas have been used to enter or re-enter Australia. Australia has also provided $21.3 million for the allocation of additional temporary visas, extended access to Medicare and community support. The Australian Government is also offering a permanent stay in Australia, on a case-by-case basis, to Ukrainian nationals in Australia who hold a Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) subclass 786 visa.
In step with international partners, Australia has enacted a comprehensive suite of measures to impose costs on Russia and those enabling its war. We have imposed more than 1,200 targeted financial sanctions and other trade measures, including a machinery export ban.
The uncertain security environment in Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion necessitated the relocation of Australian Embassy staff from Kyiv in February 2022. In the intervening period, DFAT has regularly assessed the risk posed by the security environment and mitigation measures that would enable Australian officials to return to Kyiv. On 18 December 2024, Foreign Minister Wong announced that Australia would reestablish a permanent presence in Kyiv by the end of January 2025. Australia’s Ambassador has now returned permanently to Kyiv.
The Government welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee Inquiry report into Australian support for Ukraine. This response highlights how the Government is delivering for Ukraine, including through recommendations contained in the report. A central tenet of Australia’s support continues to be consideration of whether proposed measures are in line with Government expectations and consistent with Australia’s national interests and capability.
Australia will continue to work closely with Ukraine and our partners to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to maintain pressure on Russia to end its illegal and immoral war.