Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs meets with Rustem Umerov, Minister for Defence at the Ministry of Defence in Kyiv, Ukraine on 18 December, 2024. The Foreign Minister travelled to Kyiv to express Australia’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and announce further support to assist them in response to Russia’s brutal, illegal war. Australia has unequivocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and provided more than $1.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the full-scale conflict began in February 2022. In Kyiv, she met with Ukraine’s Prime Minister Shmyhal, Foreign Minister Sybiha, Defence Minister Umerov and Deputy Energy Minister Roman Andarak and announced that the Albanese Government is building on our commitment to Ukraine with $66 million to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, to assist with Ukraine’s vital recovery and reconstruction efforts and a contribution of $10 million in assistance to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to provide heat and electricity for Ukrainians. She also visited the site of Australia’s Embassy in Kyiv that was closed by the Morrison Government in 2022, where she was updated on the progress of work to enable the full return of Australia’s diplomatic presence and announced the reopening of the Embassy and return of Australia’s Ambassador as well as the Deputy Head of Mission to Kyiv. She met families at ‘Save Ukraine’ – a community organisation that supports vulnerable Ukrainian families and children that have been damaged by the conflict and announced that Australia will contribute $80,000 to help facilitate their work.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs undertakes a press conference on arrival to Kyiv, Ukraine on 18 December, 2024. The Foreign Minister travelled to Kyiv to express Australia’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and announce further support to assist them in response to Russia’s brutal, illegal war. Australia has unequivocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and provided more than $1.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the full-scale conflict began in February 2022. In Kyiv, she met with Ukraine’s Prime Minister Shmyhal, Foreign Minister Sybiha, Defence Minister Umerov and Deputy Energy Minister Roman Andarak and announced that the Albanese Government is building on our commitment to Ukraine with $66 million to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, to assist with Ukraine’s vital recovery and reconstruction efforts and a contribution of $10 million in assistance to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to provide heat and electricity for Ukrainians. She also visited the site of Australia’s Embassy in Kyiv that was closed by the Morrison Government in 2022, where she was updated on the progress of work to enable the full return of Australia’s diplomatic presence and announced the reopening of the Embassy and return of Australia’s Ambassador as well as the Deputy Head of Mission to Kyiv. She met families at ‘Save Ukraine’ – a community organisation that supports vulnerable Ukrainian families and children that have been damaged by the conflict and announced that Australia will contribute $80,000 to help facilitate their work.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Andrii Sybiha, Minister for Foreign Affairs lay a wreath at the Wall of Remembrance, St Michael’s Square, Kyiv, Ukraine on 18 December, 2024. The Foreign Minister travelled to Kyiv to express Australia’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and announce further support to assist them in response to Russia’s brutal, illegal war. Australia has unequivocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and provided more than $1.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the full-scale conflict began in February 2022. In Kyiv, she met with Ukraine’s Prime Minister Shmyhal, Foreign Minister Sybiha, Defence Minister Umerov and Deputy Energy Minister Roman Andarak and announced that the Albanese Government is building on our commitment to Ukraine with $66 million to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, to assist with Ukraine’s vital recovery and reconstruction efforts and a contribution of $10 million in assistance to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to provide heat and electricity for Ukrainians. She also visited the site of Australia’s Embassy in Kyiv that was closed by the Morrison Government in 2022, where she was updated on the progress of work to enable the full return of Australia’s diplomatic presence and announced the reopening of the Embassy and return of Australia’s Ambassador as well as the Deputy Head of Mission to Kyiv. She met families at ‘Save Ukraine’ – a community organisation that supports vulnerable Ukrainian families and children that have been damaged by the conflict and announced that Australia will contribute $80,000 to help facilitate their work.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs with Benjamin Hayes, Ambassador to Poland, John Richards, visit coordinator and Assistant Director Regional Maritime Engagement and Programs section and Tomek Sadowski, Security and Transport Manager, Australian Embassy in Warsaw before departure from Przemysl, Poland on 19 December, 2024. Tomek Sadowski has served at the Australian embassy in Warsaw for twenty four years.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Andrii Sybiha, Minister for Foreign Affairs walk through Kyiv, Ukraine on 18 December, 2024. The Foreign Minister travelled to Kyiv to express Australia’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and announce further support to assist them in response to Russia’s brutal, illegal war. Australia has unequivocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and provided more than $1.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the full-scale conflict began in February 2022. In Kyiv, she met with Ukraine’s Prime Minister Shmyhal, Foreign Minister Sybiha, Defence Minister Umerov and Deputy Energy Minister Roman Andarak and announced that the Albanese Government is building on our commitment to Ukraine with $66 million to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, to assist with Ukraine’s vital recovery and reconstruction efforts and a contribution of $10 million in assistance to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to provide heat and electricity for Ukrainians. She also visited the site of Australia’s Embassy in Kyiv that was closed by the Morrison Government in 2022, where she was updated on the progress of work to enable the full return of Australia’s diplomatic presence and announced the reopening of the Embassy and return of Australia’s Ambassador as well as the Deputy Head of Mission to Kyiv. She met families at ‘Save Ukraine’ – a community organisation that supports vulnerable Ukrainian families and children that have been damaged by the conflict and announced that Australia will contribute $80,000 to help facilitate their work.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Andrii Sybiha, Minister for Foreign Affairs pose for a photo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine on 18 December, 2024. The Foreign Minister travelled to Kyiv to express Australia’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and announce further support to assist them in response to Russia’s brutal, illegal war. Australia has unequivocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and provided more than $1.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the full-scale conflict began in February 2022. In Kyiv, she met with Ukraine’s Prime Minister Shmyhal, Foreign Minister Sybiha, Defence Minister Umerov and Deputy Energy Minister Roman Andarak and announced that the Albanese Government is building on our commitment to Ukraine with $66 million to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, to assist with Ukraine’s vital recovery and reconstruction efforts and a contribution of $10 million in assistance to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to provide heat and electricity for Ukrainians. She also visited the site of Australia’s Embassy in Kyiv that was closed by the Morrison Government in 2022, where she was updated on the progress of work to enable the full return of Australia’s diplomatic presence and announced the reopening of the Embassy and return of Australia’s Ambassador as well as the Deputy Head of Mission to Kyiv. She met families at ‘Save Ukraine’ – a community organisation that supports vulnerable Ukrainian families and children that have been damaged by the conflict and announced that Australia will contribute $80,000 to help facilitate their work.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs signs the visitor book at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine on 18 December, 2024. The Foreign Minister travelled to Kyiv to express Australia’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and announce further support to assist them in response to Russia’s brutal, illegal war. Australia has unequivocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and provided more than $1.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the full-scale conflict began in February 2022. In Kyiv, she met with Ukraine’s Prime Minister Shmyhal, Foreign Minister Sybiha, Defence Minister Umerov and Deputy Energy Minister Roman Andarak and announced that the Albanese Government is building on our commitment to Ukraine with $66 million to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, to assist with Ukraine’s vital recovery and reconstruction efforts and a contribution of $10 million in assistance to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to provide heat and electricity for Ukrainians. She also visited the site of Australia’s Embassy in Kyiv that was closed by the Morrison Government in 2022, where she was updated on the progress of work to enable the full return of Australia’s diplomatic presence and announced the reopening of the Embassy and return of Australia’s Ambassador as well as the Deputy Head of Mission to Kyiv. She met families at ‘Save Ukraine’ – a community organisation that supports vulnerable Ukrainian families and children that have been damaged by the conflict and announced that Australia will contribute $80,000 to help facilitate their work.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs meets the Canadian Charge at the Canadian / Australian Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine on 18 December, 2024. The Foreign Minister travelled to Kyiv to express Australia’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and announce further support to assist them in response to Russia’s brutal, illegal war. Australia has unequivocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and provided more than $1.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the full-scale conflict began in February 2022. In Kyiv, she met with Ukraine’s Prime Minister Shmyhal, Foreign Minister Sybiha, Defence Minister Umerov and Deputy Energy Minister Roman Andarak and announced that the Albanese Government is building on our commitment to Ukraine with $66 million to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, to assist with Ukraine’s vital recovery and reconstruction efforts and a contribution of $10 million in assistance to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to provide heat and electricity for Ukrainians. She also visited the site of Australia’s Embassy in Kyiv that was closed by the Morrison Government in 2022, where she was updated on the progress of work to enable the full return of Australia’s diplomatic presence and announced the reopening of the Embassy and return of Australia’s Ambassador as well as the Deputy Head of Mission to Kyiv. She met families at ‘Save Ukraine’ – a community organisation that supports vulnerable Ukrainian families and children that have been damaged by the conflict and announced that Australia will contribute $80,000 to help facilitate their work.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs meets locally engaged staff, Nadia Terokhina, Oleksandr Lazarchuk and Anna Shcherbak at the Canadian / Australian Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine on 18 December, 2024. The Foreign Minister travelled to Kyiv to express Australia’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and announce further support to assist them in response to Russia’s brutal, illegal war. Australia has unequivocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and provided more than $1.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine since the full-scale conflict began in February 2022. In Kyiv, she met with Ukraine’s Prime Minister Shmyhal, Foreign Minister Sybiha, Defence Minister Umerov and Deputy Energy Minister Roman Andarak and announced that the Albanese Government is building on our commitment to Ukraine with $66 million to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, to assist with Ukraine’s vital recovery and reconstruction efforts and a contribution of $10 million in assistance to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to provide heat and electricity for Ukrainians. She also visited the site of Australia’s Embassy in Kyiv that was closed by the Morrison Government in 2022, where she was updated on the progress of work to enable the full return of Australia’s diplomatic presence and announced the reopening of the Embassy and return of Australia’s Ambassador as well as the Deputy Head of Mission to Kyiv. She met families at ‘Save Ukraine’ – a community organisation that supports vulnerable Ukrainian families and children that have been damaged by the conflict and announced that Australia will contribute $80,000 to help facilitate their work.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs meets with Kaja Kallas, European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice President of the European Commission (HRVP) of the at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France on 16 December, 2024.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs meets with Kaja Kallas, European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice President of the European Commission (HRVP) of the at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France on 16 December, 2024.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs meets with Kaja Kallas, European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice President of the European Commission (HRVP) of the at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France on 16 December, 2024.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs meets with Kaja Kallas, European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice President of the European Commission (HRVP) of the at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France on 16 December, 2024.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs undertakes a doorstop with Australian media before meeting with Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary-General at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium on 16 December, 2024.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs walks with HE Caroline Millar, Australian Ambassador to the EU, NATO and Luxembourg to meet with Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary-General at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium on 16 December, 2024.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs walks with HE Caroline Millar, Australian Ambassador to the EU, NATO and Luxembourg to meet with Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary-General at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium on 16 December, 2024.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs at 1 Carlton Gardens, the offical residence of the Foreign Secretary in London, United Kingdom on 16 December, 2024. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong traveled to the United Kingdom to attend the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN). Australia and the United Kingdom’s partnership is underpinned by our shared history, values and interests. The two countries are transforming their relationship to advance these interests which include the security and prosperity of both nations, support for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and a world where all countries adhere to international rules and norms. It marks the first AUKMIN following the election of the Starmer Government, after Australia hosted AUKMIN in Adelaide earlier in 2024. This recognises the value and relevance of the two countries’ partnership amid sharpening strategic competition. Following the visit to the UK, the Foreign Minister travelled to Strasbourg and Brussels for meetings with the European Union and NATO.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs at 1 Carlton Gardens, the offical residence of the Foreign Secretary in London, United Kingdom on 16 December, 2024. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong traveled to the United Kingdom to attend the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN). Australia and the United Kingdom’s partnership is underpinned by our shared history, values and interests. The two countries are transforming their relationship to advance these interests which include the security and prosperity of both nations, support for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and a world where all countries adhere to international rules and norms. It marks the first AUKMIN following the election of the Starmer Government, after Australia hosted AUKMIN in Adelaide earlier in 2024. This recognises the value and relevance of the two countries’ partnership amid sharpening strategic competition. Following the visit to the UK, the Foreign Minister travelled to Strasbourg and Brussels for meetings with the European Union and NATO.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon. Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Minister for Defence, David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence at 1 Carlton Gardens, the offical residence of the Foreign Secretary in London, United Kingdom on 16 December, 2024. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong traveled to the United Kingdom to attend the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN). Australia and the United Kingdom’s partnership is underpinned by our shared history, values and interests. The two countries are transforming their relationship to advance these interests which include the security and prosperity of both nations, support for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and a world where all countries adhere to international rules and norms. It marks the first AUKMIN following the election of the Starmer Government, after Australia hosted AUKMIN in Adelaide earlier in 2024. This recognises the value and relevance of the two countries’ partnership amid sharpening strategic competition. Following the visit to the UK, the Foreign Minister travelled to Strasbourg and Brussels for meetings with the European Union and NATO.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs at 1 Carlton Gardens, the offical residence of the Foreign Secretary in London, United Kingdom on 16 December, 2024. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong traveled to the United Kingdom to attend the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN). Australia and the United Kingdom’s partnership is underpinned by our shared history, values and interests. The two countries are transforming their relationship to advance these interests which include the security and prosperity of both nations, support for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and a world where all countries adhere to international rules and norms. It marks the first AUKMIN following the election of the Starmer Government, after Australia hosted AUKMIN in Adelaide earlier in 2024. This recognises the value and relevance of the two countries’ partnership amid sharpening strategic competition. Following the visit to the UK, the Foreign Minister travelled to Strasbourg and Brussels for meetings with the European Union and NATO.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and The Hon. Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence are officially welcomed by David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence with a Military Ceremonial Guard at Lancaster House, London, United Kingdom on 16 December, 2024. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong traveled to the United Kingdom to attend the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN). Australia and the United Kingdom’s partnership is underpinned by our shared history, values and interests. The two countries are transforming their relationship to advance these interests which include the security and prosperity of both nations, support for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and a world where all countries adhere to international rules and norms. It marks the first AUKMIN following the election of the Starmer Government, after Australia hosted AUKMIN in Adelaide earlier in 2024. This recognises the value and relevance of the two countries’ partnership amid sharpening strategic competition. Following the visit to the UK, the Foreign Minister travelled to Strasbourg and Brussels for meetings with the European Union and NATO.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon. Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Minister for Defence, David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence at 1 Carlton Gardens, the offical residence of the Foreign Secretary in London, United Kingdom on 16 December, 2024. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong traveled to the United Kingdom to attend the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN). Australia and the United Kingdom’s partnership is underpinned by our shared history, values and interests. The two countries are transforming their relationship to advance these interests which include the security and prosperity of both nations, support for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and a world where all countries adhere to international rules and norms. It marks the first AUKMIN following the election of the Starmer Government, after Australia hosted AUKMIN in Adelaide earlier in 2024. This recognises the value and relevance of the two countries’ partnership amid sharpening strategic competition. Following the visit to the UK, the Foreign Minister travelled to Strasbourg and Brussels for meetings with the European Union and NATO.

AUKMIN opening remarks by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and The Hon. Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence, David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence to Lancaster House , London, United Kingdom on 16 December, 2024. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong traveled to the United Kingdom to attend the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN). Australia and the United Kingdom’s partnership is underpinned by our shared history, values and interests. The two countries are transforming their relationship to advance these interests which include the security and prosperity of both nations, support for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and a world where all countries adhere to international rules and norms. It marks the first AUKMIN following the election of the Starmer Government, after Australia hosted AUKMIN in Adelaide earlier in 2024. This recognises the value and relevance of the two countries’ partnership amid sharpening strategic competition. Following the visit to the UK, the Foreign Minister travelled to Strasbourg and Brussels for meetings with the European Union and NATO.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and The Hon. Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence are officially welcomed by David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence with a Military Ceremonial Guard at Lancaster House, London, United Kingdom on 16 December, 2024. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong traveled to the United Kingdom to attend the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN). Australia and the United Kingdom’s partnership is underpinned by our shared history, values and interests. The two countries are transforming their relationship to advance these interests which include the security and prosperity of both nations, support for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and a world where all countries adhere to international rules and norms. It marks the first AUKMIN following the election of the Starmer Government, after Australia hosted AUKMIN in Adelaide earlier in 2024. This recognises the value and relevance of the two countries’ partnership amid sharpening strategic competition. Following the visit to the UK, the Foreign Minister travelled to Strasbourg and Brussels for meetings with the European Union and NATO.

AUKMIN opening remarks by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and The Hon. Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence, David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence to Lancaster House , London, United Kingdom on 16 December, 2024. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong traveled to the United Kingdom to attend the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN). Australia and the United Kingdom’s partnership is underpinned by our shared history, values and interests. The two countries are transforming their relationship to advance these interests which include the security and prosperity of both nations, support for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and a world where all countries adhere to international rules and norms. It marks the first AUKMIN following the election of the Starmer Government, after Australia hosted AUKMIN in Adelaide earlier in 2024. This recognises the value and relevance of the two countries’ partnership amid sharpening strategic competition. Following the visit to the UK, the Foreign Minister travelled to Strasbourg and Brussels for meetings with the European Union and NATO.