Impressing the international community with the defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Ukraine now faces its greatest challenge yet against Russia's aggression as winter arrives. Over half of the country's energy infrastructure is degraded, and the imminent humanitarian crisis will only further test unity in the EU and NATO.
Maintaining close diplomatic ties with Ukraine since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Australia has earned the reputation as one of Ukraine's more significant non-NATO allies. This relationship has only strengthened in response to Russia's invasion, which has seen Australia commit over $650 million in military and humanitarian support, including the deployment of ADF personnel to train Ukrainian forces, the supply of 90 Bushmaster troop carriers, the provision of 70,000 tonnes of thermal coal to support Ukraine's energy security, and the approval of 9,500 fast-tracked visa applications.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently announced in the aftermath of liberating Kherson that it was the "beginning of the end" of the war. But as winter sets in and Russia engages in scorched earth policy, what will be the cost in resources and lives to achieve this end? What are the viable routes to peace? What does reconstruction look like and how can Australia play a role?
In this next instalment of our Meet the Ambassador series, you are invited to join HE Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko in conversation with Vice-President AIIA Victoria and former Australian ambassador John Richardson.
This event will be held at Dyason House, and online. Please note the earlier start time!
To download the pdf flyer please click here.