Ukraine’s envoy calls on Australia to ‘stand with’ Kyiv as Russia’s war enters third year

Ukraine’s ambassador is calling on Australia to “stand with” his country as its fight against Russian invaders enters a third year, warning “state-based mobsters” also threaten the Pacific.

Ukraine’s ambassador is calling on Australia to continue to “stand with” his country as its fight against invading Russian forces enters a third year against a backdrop of crumbling US support.

Donald Trump last week echoed Kremlin talking points when he called Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator” and falsely accused the Ukrainian President of starting the war with Russia.

The remarks came after Mr Zelensky refused to sign a deal giving the US access to Ukraine’s enormous critical minerals deposits.

Kyiv’s other Western allies, including Australia, have pledged to continue backing it despite the change in Washington.

With the war on another continent and threats, such as China, nearer to Australia, Ukraine’s envoy Vasyl Myroshnychenko has been keen to stress the commonality of the conflict.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko says the war in his country is ‘about protecting a way of life that Australians also share’. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“This war isn’t about some distant territory or fancy narratives,” he told NewsWire.

“At its core, it’s about protecting a way of life that Australians also share – democratic, peaceful, and prosperous – from dictatorship and destruction of the global rules.

“Putin wants mafia rule of the world to prevail — the world needs to make the Mafioso fail.”

The Albanese government has pledged to continue backing Ukraine. Picture: X @AlboMP

Mr Myroshnychenko assumed the posting in Canberra in early April 2022, a little more than a month after Russia’s blitzkrieg-style invasion.

Since his arrival, Australia has given Ukraine north of $1.5bn-worth of aid, including scores of Australian designed and built Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles.

Meanwhile, some 11,400 Ukrainians fleeing the war have found safe haven in Australia.

Senior government ministers have also visited Kyiv, which is subject to near nightly drone and missile attacks, mostly thwarted by air defence systems provided by the West.

Senior government ministers have visited Kyiv, which is subject to near nightly drone and missile attacks. Picture: Ukrainian Emergency Service / AFP.

With Ukraine staring down an enemy that openly questions its right to exist, Mr Myroshnychenko had a simple message for Australians.

“On the third year since the full-scale invasion started, my message to Australia is: thank you for standing up for what we share and what we aspire to,” Mr Myroshnychenko said.

“Please continue to stand with us against those who would rip our future apart. Help us achieve stability through strength.

“I have seen Bushmasters make a massive difference to Ukraine’s defence.

“The frontline soldiers have told me how effective they are.

“Each one given by Australia is an investment in a world safer from Putin and any other state-based mobsters, including in the Pacific region.”

The nod to the Pacific comes as Canberra demands answers from Beijing about three Chinese warships lurking of Australia’s east coast that carried out live fire drills in the Tasman Sea.

Events marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion have been taking place across Australia since as early as Thursday.

Among the events set for Monday are commemorations in Sydney and Adelaide and a rally in Melbourne.

A protest has also been planned outside the Russian Embassy in Canberra.

Originally published as Ukraine’s envoy calls on Australia to ‘stand with’ Kyiv as Russia’s war enters third year