The committee recommends the Australian Government re‐open the Australian Embassy in Ukraine, and ensure Australia is represented at the highest levels at future global meetings that discuss Ukraine’s defence, peace, and reconstruction.

Government Response to Recommendation 3

The Government notes this recommendation, and notes the Embassy has reopened.

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 takes the safety of Australian personnel very seriously, consistent with its obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. 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, including enhanced security and IT arrangements.

The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have each visited Ukraine in the three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, and announced packages of support.

In addition, the Government ensures Australia is appropriately represented at the highest levels at global meetings that discuss Ukraine’s defence peace, and reconstruction. For example, Australia was represented at the first Ukraine Peace Summit (15-16 June 2024 in Lucerne, Switzerland) by the Hon Bill Shorten MP, supported by DFAT officials. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts MP, and Australia’s Ambassador to Ukraine each participated in one or more of Ukraine’s ten thematic conferences that took place between September and October 2024, based on President Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula.