‘Make money’: Australia’s surprising role in Ukraine

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia has revealed the new role he envisages for Australian businesses that would be ‘invaluable’ in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s illegal invasion.

EXCLUSIVE

Australian mining companies are welcome to “come and make money in Ukraine” working alongside the US on new rare earth mineral deposits now key to the war-torn nation’s future security three years after Russia’s illegal invasion.

As the Trump Administration pursues a deal to end the war launched in February 2022 by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, has revealed he sees a new role for Australian business to support securing his country.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

In an exclusive interview, Mr Myroshnychenko told News Corp Australia’s mining expertise, experience and capital would be invaluable as Ukraine hopes to offer the US exploration and development of its rich mineral deposits in return for security guarantees to prevent Russian aggression.

“I’m sure there could be opportunities for Australian mining companies to join forces with Americans, because you have some of the best companies in the world … I think this will be a great benefit,” he said.

“I want those Australian companies to come and make money in Ukraine.”

Stand with Ukraine rallies are being held around Australia to mark the third anniversary of the invasion. Picture: Richard Walker

Reflecting on the day he woke in Kyiv at 5am to the sound of explosions in the Ukrainian capital, while Russian paratroopers landed a mere 20 minutes from his home, Mr Myroshnychenko said it was important to remember the ensuing war was the result of an unprovoked attack by Moscow.

“Russia pursued one goal and that goal was to destroy Ukraine’s sovereignty, take over Kyiv, install a puppet government, basically annex Ukraine,” he said.

Rallies in support of Ukraine will be held in Melbourne and Sydney to mark the third anniversary of the invasion on Monday, following similar events in Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart, Darwin and Canberra over recent days.

Mr Myroshnychenko said his message to Australians was a simple “thank you” for support and continuing to stand with Ukraine “against those who would rip our future apart”.

Australians have been thanked for supporting Ukraine. Picture: Richard Walker

He noted Australia’s donation of bushmaster military vehicles had made a “massive difference” to Ukraine’s defence, with each one an investment in a world “safer from Putin and any other state-based mobsters, including in the Pacific region”.

Despite President Donald Trump’s recent criticisms of Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr Myroshnychenko said the goal of both administrations was to “end this war”.

He said there must be a “robust and sustainable peace” as a temporary truce would merely enable Russia to regroup and resupply for a bigger war, while appeasement would be seen as a “weakness” by both Mr Putin and other nuclear powers.

“This is a pivotal moment for global security because it’s not only Ukraine at stake, it’s Europe, and in time the Pacific is at stake, and the security of Australia is at stake,” Mr Myroshnychenko said.

Ukraine has received $1.5bn in Australian support. Picture: Richard Walker

Since Russia’s invasion Australia has provided more than $1.5bn in support to Ukraine, of which $1.3bn was military aid including 49 tanks, 120 bushmasters, air defence missiles, anti-armour weapons, ammunition, counter-drone systems, deployable 3D metal printers, de-mining equipment, body armour, medical supplies and rations.

Though Mr Myroshnychenko said Australia had “punched above its weight” with aid, Ukraine would gladly take any further assistance, including more bushmasters.

Ahead of the invasion anniversary, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said the war could only be resolved “on Ukraine’s terms” as Russia had been the “aggressor” who illegally invaded.

“We see that what is at stake here is the global-rules based order, and we will continue to support Ukraine,” he said.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton said the Coalition stood with Ukraine as it continued to resist the “unprovoked and abominable” invasion by Russia three years ago.

“May a strong Ukraine, backed by strong friends, secure the peace that comes from strength in 2025,” he said.

“A peace that does not reward the murderous despot Putin – as any reward would embolden other revanchist autocrats to follow in his tyrannical footsteps.”

Originally published as ‘Make money’: Australia’s surprising role in Ukraine