Overview

Australia joins our partners in condemning Russia's unilateral, illegal and immoral aggression against the people of Ukraine.

The invasion is a gross violation of international law, including the UN Charter. Australia strongly supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call on Russia to immediately withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory.

Australia has worked with our partners to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its actions. International unity has underpinned the effective response to Russia’s invasion.

Australia is also providing consular assistance to Australians in Ukraine, including maintaining a registration portal, and monitoring developments to inform travel advice.

Travel advice and consular assistance

Australians should follow the latest Ukraine Travel Advice & Safety.

If you have significant concerns for your welfare, or that of other Australians, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

Australia’s response to Russia’s invasion

Prime Minister Albanese’s visit to Kyiv on 3 July sent a clear message that democratic nations like Australia will stand side-by-side with the Ukrainian people in their time of need. Australia is supporting Ukraine though:

• AUD 475 million in military assistance to deliver important capabilities to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and support its defence.
• AUD 65 million in humanitarian assistance provided through trusted partners to help meet the urgent needs of the Ukrainian people.
• Deploying ADF personnel to the United Kingdom to provide training to Ukrainian troops through Operation INTERFLEX.
• 70,000 tonnes of thermal coal worth AUD 32.6 million to support Ukraine’s energy security. 
• AUD 8.7 million to assist Ukraine’s Border Guard Service to upgrade border management equipment, improve cyber security and enhance border operations in the field.
• AUD 1 million and radiation detection/protection equipment worth AUD 686,000 through the International Atomic Energy Agency to help ensure the safe and secure operation of nuclear facilities.
• AUD 200,000 to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to help protect against chemical attacks.
• Duty free access for Ukrainian imports to Australia, complementing similar trade measures taken by our partners.
• Prioritising visa applications from Ukrainian nationals; since 23 February Australia has granted over 9,500 visas to Ukrainians.

As part of the coordinated international effort to hold Russia accountable for its actions, Australia has:

• Imposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 843 individuals and 62 entities to inflict heavy cost on those responsible. 
• Banned the import of Russian oil, petroleum, coal and gas. 
• Banned the export of alumina, bauxite and luxury goods to Russia.
• Introduced an additional tariff of 35% on imports from Russia and Belarus.
• Joined partners in prohibiting the import of Russian gold to reduce Russia’s ability to fund its war.
• Committed AUD 1 million and three staff to support the International Criminal Court investigation into reported Russian war crimes.
• Intervened at the International Court of Justice in support of Ukraine’s case against Russia.

Bilateral engagement with Russia

In its international engagement, the Australian Government is sending a clear signal to Russia and its supporters that Russia’s actions will have severe political, economic and reputational consequences. The Australian Government urges all state, territory and local governments and public universities to put on hold existing bilateral cooperation with the Russian and Belarusian governments, including Russian and Belarusian subnational government entities, and to reconsider new engagement.

For more information on the Foreign Arrangements Scheme, visit www.foreignarrangements.gov.au or contact the Foreign Arrangements Taskforce in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at foreignarrangements@dfat.gov.au.

Humanitarian situation in Ukraine

The humanitarian situation in Ukraine is serious and deteriorating. The United Nations estimates that more than fifteen million people inside Ukraine are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, with millions of Ukrainian refugees needing protection and assistance in neighbouring countries. Most of those fleeing Ukraine are women, girls and boys. Particularly at-risk groups include older persons and persons with disabilities, who may be unable to flee and may struggle to access humanitarian assistance.

To support those affected by the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and surrounding countries, please donate cash, not goods.

Media releases and statements

• Additional support for Ukraine, 27 October 2022
• Australia-Japan Leader’s Meeting Joint Statement, 22 October 2022
• Further actions in response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, 20 October 2022
• Further actions in response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, 2 October 2022
• Australia prohibits the import of Russian gold., 1 October
• New Designation under the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011, 15 August
• Australia increases support to Ukraine, 4 July 2022
• Trade assistance to Ukraine, 4 July 2022
• Visit to Kyiv and further Australian support to Ukraine, 4 July 2022
• Further Russia and Belarus Sanctions, 18 May 2022
• Attribution to Russia for malicious cyber activity against European networks, 10 May 2022
• Additional sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion, 4 May 2022
• Additional Sanctions on Russia, 22 April 2022
• Additional Sanctions on Russian State-Owned Enterprises, 14 April 2022
• Further Russia Sanctions, 7 April 2022
• Luxury Exports Ban to Russia, 5 April 2022
• Australia to impose tariff increases on all imports from Russia, 31 March 2022
• Statement to the Senate on Ukraine, 30 March 2022
• Australia and the UK work together to get vital aid to Ukraine, 28 March 2022
• Australia places additional sanctions on Russia and Belarus, 25 March 2022
• Additional support to Ukraine, 20 March 2022
• New sanctions on Russian banks and Oligarchs, 18 March 2022
• Australia joins the UK and US in sanctioning key Russian oligarchs, 14 March 2022
• Ukraine update, 11 March 2022
• Statement on Russia’s war on Ukraine and international sport, 9 March 2022
• Further sanctions on Russia, 8 March 2022
• Superannuation fund holdings of Russian assets, 3 March 2022
• Australian support to Ukraine, 1 March 2022
• Economic measures against Russia and lethal military equipment for Ukraine, 28 February 2022
• Statement on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, 24 February 2022
• Australia's response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, 23 February 2022
• Australia condemns Russia's unlawful moves on eastern Ukraine, 22 February 2022
• Attribution to Russia of malicious cyber activity against Ukraine, 20 February 2022

More information

The Australian Embassy, Ukraine