Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Kyiv, 18 December 2024 Photo: Valentyn Ogirenko/ Reuters
On 18 December 2024, the Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and Australia, Andy Sibiga and Penny Wong, announced the reopening of the Australian Embassy in Ukraine. Starting next month, Ambassador Paul Lehmann will be working in Kyiv, and in the coming months the embassy will be fully operational. This was reported by the Foreign Ministry’s press service on Wednesday.
Andriy Sybiga expressed his gratitude for Australia’s support, in particular for the provision of 49 Abrams tanks and 14 boats, which is part of a total aid package of more than $1 billion, of which $880 million is military aid.
The minister also requested additional military support, including Australian Bushmaster armoured vehicles and other weapons, and offered to take Ukraine’s needs into account when writing off Australian Defence Force military equipment.
Penny Wong underlined Australia’s unwavering support for the people of Ukraine and expressed her hope for a return to a peaceful and stable Ukraine after the war.
The reopening of the embassy is an important step in strengthening bilateral relations and will facilitate further cooperation between Ukraine and Australia.
