Ukraine envoy seeks more weapons from Australia to fight Russians

Ukrainian ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko has appealed for more military assistance to fight the war against Russia.

Ukrainian ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Ukrainian ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko has appealed for more military assistance after fresh Russian missile strikes hit a range of cities, including Dnipro in the southeast, in which at least 30 people were killed.

The appeal comes after Britain agreed to send 14 heavy tanks and about 30 self-propelled ­howitzers to help tip the balance of the conflict in favour of Kyiv when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

On ABC radio on Monday, Mr Myroshnychenko said that to win the war, Ukraine needed the “right weapons” and that he was “discussing different options” with the Australian government to provide further support.

“At the time Australia is having a summer vacation, Ukrainians are getting killed in large numbers,” he said.

“We have been very thankful to Australia for the APCs (armoured personnel carriers) as well as for the armoured personnel ­vehicles, such as Bushmasters.

“However, in order for us to advance and to be able to kick Russians out of Ukraine, we need a different armour.

“If Ukraine is going to lose this war, the implications for the Western world, and Australia ­included, will be devastating.”

Mr Myroshnychenko was optimistic the British move represented a “turning point in supplies” and would lead to Berlin allowing the exportation of its highly regarded Leopard 2 tanks.

Australia has so far sent about 90 Bushmasters to help Ukraine and a contingent of ADF personnel are training Ukrainian soldiers in the UK.

A Defence spokesman said the government was “committed to delivering on its current ­contribution to Ukraine, and ­continues to provide a steady flow of military assistance … with ­delivery of previous commitments continuing over the coming months”.

“To date, Australia’s total contribution to supporting the government of Ukraine is approximately $475m,” he said.

“Australia continues to condemn Russia’s unilateral, illegal and immoral aggression against the people of Ukraine.”

Jim Chalmers said Australians were “incredibly impressed and inspired by the courage and the commitment shown by the Ukrainian people in resisting this heinous act of aggression”.

“And we will always keep under review the kind of support that we provide Ukraine,” the Treasurer said.

“I don’t have an update for you on any further assistance that we may or may not be contemplating, but we have been ­providing a substantial amount of assistance.”