Australia to Reopen Embassy in Kyiv After Three-Year Closure

Foreign Minister Penny Wong announces the decision during her visit to Ukraine, pledging financial aid for reconstruction and energy support.

Australia will reopen its embassy in Kyiv next month, nearly three years after its closure due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the first Australian minister to visit Kyiv since 2022, confirmed that Ambassador Paul Lehmann and his staff will return from Warsaw in January.
The Albanese government faced criticism for delaying the embassy's reopening, as over 70 other nations had resumed diplomatic operations in Kyiv earlier.
Australia pledged $66 million to Ukraine's reconstruction efforts and an additional $10 million for energy support to help provide heat and electricity during the ongoing conflict.
Wong emphasized Australia’s commitment to Ukraine, highlighting concerns over global security links between Russia and North Korea, as well as the broader implications for international law.