Australia–Ukraine relations

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Australia-Ukraine relations
Map indicating locations of Australia and Ukraine

Australia
Ukraine
Diplomatic mission
Embassy of Australia, KyivEmbassy of Ukraine, Canberra
Envoy
Ambassador Paul LehmannAmbassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko

Diplomatic relations between Australia and Ukraine were established in 1992. Ukraine has had an embassy in Canberra since March 2003 and the Australian Embassy in Kyiv was established in December 2014, however, Australia closed its embassy in Kyiv from February 2022 to January 2025 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, maintaining representation from Poland.[1] In December 2024, it was announced that Australia would reopen its embassy in Kyiv in January 2025, and the embassy reopened from 28 January 2025.[2][3]

History

Early diplomatic representation of Ukraine as part of the

Matvei Gedenschtrom, who was born in 1858 in Odesa and a graduate of Kyiv University in 1882.[4]

Ukraine and Australia have enjoyed official diplomatic relations since 1942 when Australia opened channels with the

Australian Embassy in Moscow, with the Australian Ambassador in Moscow, Cavan Hogue, receiving non-resident accreditation for Ukraine, presenting his credentials to the President of Ukraine, Leonid Kravchuk on 9 March 1992.[6][7]

In March 1992, Ukraine established an Honorary Consulate in

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2006 Birthday honours for "service to the Ukrainian community of New South Wales and to the credit union movement".[10]

Following the unilateral annexation by Russia of the Ukrainian province of Crimea in March 2014, Australia announced sanctions on Russia and supported United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/262, which affirmed the territorial integrity of Ukraine and underscored the invalidity of the 2014 Crimean referendum.[11]

Russo-Ukrainian War

2014

In December 2014, Australia established an interim embassy in

Honorary Consul, Serhiy Mykolayovych Berezovenko, a prominent economist and businessman based in the city.[6][13][14][15][16] The first resident ambassador, Doug Trappett, who was previously Deputy Head of Mission in Rome, had been sent to Kyiv in December 2014 to deal with matters relating to the controversial downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 on 17 July 2014 by Russian-backed separatists in the Donbas region, which led to the deaths of 27 Australian citizens.[17][18]

2015

Trappett presented his credentials on 14 January 2015.[19]

2016

Although initially considered an interim measure for 12 months, pending the resolution of the conflicts in the region, with the stalemating of various issues and the hardening of Ukrainian-Russian relations, the embassy's term of existence was extended in February 2016 to September 2016.[20] In September 2016, the decision was taken by foreign minister Julie Bishop to extend the embassy's term for a further two years with a resident diplomatic presence noting that it would allow Australia: "to work alongside their Ukrainian partners in close cooperation and further develop bilateral ties between the two countries."[21]

2022

The Sydney Opera House illuminated in the Ukrainian colours in support of Ukraine during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine

On 13 February 2022, amid increasing tensions immediately prior to the

Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Australian Embassy was relocated from the capital Kyiv to the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.[22] However, on 22 February 2022, a day before the Russian invasion, Foreign Minister Marise Payne directed that all Australian officials were to leave the country and operate from eastern Poland and Romania.[23]

With the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced further support for Ukraine, with the imposition of new sanctions of Russian individuals and financial institutions, and reiterated the Australian support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine: "Australia joins our partners in condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. There is no justification for this aggression, whose cost will be borne by innocent Ukrainians. Vladimir Putin has fabricated a feeble pretext on which to invade. Russia's disinformation and propaganda has convinced no one. We call on Russia to cease its illegal and unprovoked actions, and to stop violating Ukraine's independence. Russia must reverse its breach of international law and of the UN Charter, and withdraw its military from Ukraine. We reiterate our staunch support for Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity – the bedrock principles of a rules-based world order."[24][25] Additional individuals targeted for sanctions included Vladimir Putin and all members of the Security Council of Russia, alongside an announcement that Australia would contribute lethal and non-lethal military equipment and medical supplies to Ukraine to aid in its defence.[26] In April-June 2022, it was reported that Australia had given Ukraine AUD$225 million in military aid and AUD$65 million in humanitarian aid.[27][28]

In July 2022, the new Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, became the first Australian leader to undertake an official visit to Ukraine, announcing an additional support package that included AUD$99.5 million in military assistance.[29]

2024

On 2 August 2024, Australia Post issued a stamp in support of Ukraine.[30][31]

In December 2024, the amount of aid provided to Ukraine totaled $1.3 billion.[2]

2025

In February 2025 Australia, a key USA ally, reaffirmed its support for Ukraine. Australia insisted the Russo-Ukraine war must end on Kyiv’s terms. Defence Minister Richard Marles called Russia the aggressor and stressed the need to uphold the global rules-based order. U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy a "dictator" and urged him to secure peace quickly, claiming Ukraine was responsible for Russia’s 2022 invasion. His remarks alarmed U.S. allies. Australia’s opposition leader Peter Dutton rejected Trump's claims, stating Ukraine was not responsible for the war. He emphasized Australia’s unwavering support for Ukraine as a democracy fighting against Russian aggression.[32]

High level visits and representation

See also: List of ambassadors of Australia to Ukraine and Embassy of Ukraine, Canberra § Ambassadors

Economic relations

Trade between Australia and Ukraine is modest. Merchandise exports from Australia were valued at $29.8 million in 2017–18 primarily consisted of coal. Ukraine's exports to Australia comprised $47.3 million, mainly vegetable oils and fats.[37]

On 1 April 2016, Australia and Ukraine signed a Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, which would enable Australia to export uranium to Ukraine for power generation. This agreement entered into force in June 2017.[43]

Tobacco dispute

In 2012, Ukraine began a dispute with Australia within the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the adoption of laws requiring uniform plain packaging of tobacco products. On 28 May 2015, the Ukrainian Ministry of Economic Development sent a notice to the WTO to terminate its participation in the dispute, as Ukrainian manufacturers did not export tobacco products to Australia. On 4 June 2015, the Ministry of Economic Development terminated its dispute with Australia over the unified packaging of tobacco products.[44]

Migration

Main article: Ukrainian Australians

Ukrainians, then part of the

Australian census, with the highest number (4,678) living in Victoria.[45]

In the 2016 Census there were 13,366 Ukraine-born people in Australia, and 46,186 people identifying as being of Ukrainian ancestry. Victoria had the largest number of Ukraine-born citizens at 5,322, followed by New South Wales (4,830), Queensland (1,248) and South Australia (929).[46][47]

Resident diplomatic missions

  • Australia has an embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, reopened in January 2025.[1][3]
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Canberra.[48]
  • Embassy of Australia in Kyiv
    Embassy of Australia in Kyiv
  • Building hosting the Embassy of Ukraine in Canberra
    Building hosting the Embassy of Ukraine in Canberra

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Trade, corporateName= Department of Foreign Affairs and. "Australian Consulate in Kyiv". ukraine.embassy.gov.au. Archived from the original on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Ford, Mazoe (18 December 2024). "Penny Wong announces Australia will reopen embassy in Kyiv almost three years after its closure". ABC News (Australia). Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Estimates - Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee". ParlInfo. Parliament of Australia. 27 February 2025. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  4. ISBN 9781760462291. Archived
    (PDF) from the original on 6 October 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  5. ^ "Keating recognises Commonwealth founders". The Canberra Times. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 27 December 1991. p. 1. Retrieved 4 March 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. ^ a b "Diplomatic and consular relations - First Australian ambassador to Ukraine - Opening of Australian consulate in Ukraine" (PDF). AustLII. Australian Year Book of International Law. 1992. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 May 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2017.
  7. ^ "First Australian ambassador to Ukraine presents his credentials" (Media Release). Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 10 March 1992. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  8. ^ "UKRAINE EMBASSY?". The Australian Jewish News. New South Wales, Australia. 26 March 1999. p. 8. Retrieved 4 March 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  9. ^ "CYM Australia Congratulates Jaroslav Duma on Appointment as Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Sydney". Ukrainian Youth Association in Australia. 9 November 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  10. ^ "Mr Jaroslav Roman DUMA - Medal of the Order of Australia". AUSTRALIAN HONOURS SEARCH FACILITY. Australian Government. 12 June 2006. Archived from the original on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  11. ^ "Australia imposes sanctions on Russians after annexation of Crimea from Ukraine". ABC News. 19 March 2014. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  12. ^ "Political relations between Ukraine and Australia". Embassy of Ukraine in Australia. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Archived from the original on 19 December 2012. Retrieved 11 May 2015.
  13. ^ "Evans announces Australia to open an honorary consulate in Ukraine". The Canberra Times. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 24 November 1991. p. 3. Retrieved 4 March 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  14. ^ "Australia opens Kiev consulate". The Australian Jewish News. New South Wales, Australia. 20 November 1992. p. 16 (Life/Style). Retrieved 4 March 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  15. ^ Blewett, Neal (5 November 1992). "Opening of Australian consulate in Ukraine" (Media Release). ParlInfo: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Government. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  16. ^ Evdokimova, S. I. (2003). "Березовенко Сергій Миколайович (Serhiy Mykolayovych Berezovenko)". Encyclopaedia of Modern Ukraine (in Ukrainian). Kyiv: Institute of Encyclopedic Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
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  18. ^ Wroe, David (21 November 2014). "Australia to host Ukrainian leader, open embassy in Kiev". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 28 December 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2015.
  19. ^ "Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olena Zerkal received Ambassador of Australia to Ukraine Douglas Robert Trappett". Embassy of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. 14 January 2015. Archived from the original on 7 November 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2015.
  20. ^ Bishop, Julie (10 February 2016). "Extension of Interim Australian Embassy in Kyiv" (Press release). Australian Government. Archived from the original on 30 March 2019. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  21. ^ Bishop, Julie (29 September 2016). "Australian Government extends diplomatic presence in Ukraine" (Press release). Australian Government. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  22. ^ Marise, Payne (13 February 2022). "Statement on Ukraine" (Press release). Australian Government. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  23. ^ Marise, Payne (22 February 2022). "Australia condemns Russia's unlawful moves on eastern Ukraine" (Press release). Australian Government. Archived from the original on 22 February 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  24. ^ Morrison, Scott (24 February 2022). "Statement on Russia's invasion of Ukraine". Prime Minister of Australia. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  25. ^ Morrison, Scott; Payne, Marise (23 February 2022). "Australia's response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine". Australian Government. Archived from the original on 12 June 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  26. ^ Payne, Marise; Dutton, Peter; Frydenberg, Josh (28 February 2022). "Economic measures against Russia and lethal military equipment for Ukraine". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Archived from the original on 4 June 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  27. ^ "Australia joins US in pledging more weapons for Ukraine as Russia threatens gas supplies to Poland". sbs.com.au. 26 April 2022. Archived from the original on 27 April 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  28. ^ "Australia to Deliver Six M777 Howitzers to Ukraine". The Defense Post. 28 April 2022. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  29. ^ Albanese, Anthony (4 July 2022). "Visit to Kyiv and further Australian support to Ukraine" (Media Release). Prime Minister of Australia. Archived from the original on 4 October 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  30. ^ "Australia issues a stamp in support of Ukraine on the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day". Embassy of Ukraine in Australia. 22 August 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  31. ^ "Solidarity with Ukraine Self-Adhesive Sheetlet of 5 x $3". AusPost. 22 August 2024. Archived from the original on 24 September 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  32. ^ Needham, Kirsty (20 February 2025). "US ally Australia says Ukraine conflict must be resolved on Ukraine's terms". Reuters. Retrieved 1 March 2025.
  33. ^ Lee, Michael (26 November 1992). "Delegation Reports - Australian Parliamentary Delegation to Russia and the Ukraine" (Hansard). ParlInfo. Parliament of Australia – House of Representatives. p. 3626. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  34. ^ "Report of the Parliamentary Delegation to the Russian Federation - Russia and the Independent Republic of Ukraine, 14 - 22 April 1992". ParlInfo. Parliament of Australia - Senate. 26 November 1992. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  35. ^ a b c "Political relations between Ukraine and Australia". Embassy of Ukraine in Australia. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Archived from the original on 12 June 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  36. ^ Kerr, Duncan (6 December 2004). "Delegation Reports - Australian Parliamentary Delegation to Ukraine and Bulgaria". ParlInfo. Parliament of Australia - House of Representatives. p. 1. Archived from the original on 13 June 2019. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
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  41. ^ Hitch, Georgia (31 March 2022). "Volodymyr Zelenskyy asks for Australian Bushmaster armoured vehicles in address to federal parliament". ABC News. Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  42. ^ "President met with the Prime Minister of Australia in Kyiv". 3 July 2022. Archived from the original on 3 July 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
  43. ^ "Australia – Ukraine Nuclear Cooperation Agreement". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Archived from the original on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  44. ^ "Україна остаточно відмовилася від торгівельної суперечки з Австралією (En: Ukraine has finally abandoned the trade dispute with Australia))" (in Ukrainian). European Pravda. 4 June 2015. Archived from the original on 16 June 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  45. ^ "Origins: Immigration History from Ukraine to Victoria". Museums Victoria. Government of Victoria. 2017. Archived from the original on 11 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
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  47. ^ "Ancestry - Ukrainian". .id community. Multicultural NSW. Archived from the original on 14 June 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  48. ^ "Embassy of Ukraine in Australia". Archived from the original on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
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