Ukraine war: Volodymyr Zelensky address to parliament next week ‘challenging’

The head of Ukraine’s Embassy in Canberra says Volodymyr Zelensky would like to address the Australian parliament next week, but it could be ‘challenging’ to organise.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses his people during a broadcast. Picture: AFP

The head of Ukraine’s Embassy in Canberra says the country’s President Volodymyr Zelensky would like to address the Australian parliament next week, but it could be “challenging” to organise.

Charge d’Affaires Volodymyr Shalkivskyi said the possibility of an address would depend on the security situation on the day in Ukraine.

“We would like to have it, yes,” he said.

“But there are significant challenges in security.

“It is very difficult to plan something for tomorrow. As you can imagine, a week ahead is much more challenging. There are many constraints.”

Scott Morrison confirmed negotiations were under way for Mr Zelensky to address parliament next week, following similar addresses to the US, UK, German, Israeli and Canadian parliaments.

A day after confirming a second shipment of arms and a donation of 70,000 tonnes of coal to Ukraine, the Prime Minister said he “would welcome any opportunity for (Mr Zelensky) to speak to the Australian people”. He said he was in “regular contact” with Mr Zelensky and Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Parliament resumes sitting on Tuesday for the federal budget, and is scheduled to sit on Wednesday and Thursday.

Mr Morrison is expected to call an election soon after the budget passes the parliament.