James Baillieu just lately visited Ukraine, the place he witnessed the devastating aftermath of the Russian invasion that started in February 2022. He described the scent of incinerated our bodies in destroyed armoured personnel carriers and burnt-out vehicles alongside roadsides. Regardless of the continuing battle, most of Ukraine has returned to a extra regular life, with missile and drone assaults primarily confined to the conflict entrance. Baillieu has been actively fundraising for troopers and their households, sponsoring a van that runs provides to the entrance and offering prosthetics for troopers injured from mine blasts.
Baillieu strongly condemned the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, calling it an abomination towards Western values and human dignity. He believes that Ukraine, whereas not an ideal society, is striving to enhance itself and is deserving of help. Nonetheless, as a personal citizen, Baillieu acknowledged that his journey to a war-torn nation would possibly face criticism, particularly because the Division of International Affairs and Commerce advises towards journey to Ukraine as a result of unstable surroundings and battle. Defence Minister Richard Marles additionally visited Ukraine in April, saying Australia’s $100 million navy help package deal which incorporates funding to help drones.
Australia has supplied over $1 billion in navy and humanitarian help because the conflict started, together with a $50 million grant in February. Baillieu expressed disappointment within the newest authorities help package deal to Ukraine, describing it as a “trivial quantity” and calling for extra substantial help. Regardless of Australia’s unwavering help for Ukraine, the nation has not reopened its embassy in Ukraine, in contrast to greater than 60 different nations. Baillieu criticized the federal government for holding Australian diplomats, together with ambassador Paul Lehmann, within the Polish capital of Warsaw, calling it a nationwide shame and a snub to the significance of Ukraine.
Baillieu emphasised the geopolitical significance of the conflict in Ukraine, stating that if Russian President Vladimir Putin succeeds in Ukraine, it may destabilize the entire of Europe. He harassed the significance of supporting a rules-based order and urged Australians to donate to Ukraine by organizations just like the Purple Cross and Caritas Australia. Whereas acknowledging the significance of the conflict in Gaza, Baillieu highlighted the gravity of the state of affairs in Ukraine and referred to as on Australia to do extra to help the nation. He believes that Australia’s restricted protection power reinforces the necessity for a rules-based worldwide order to guard the nation and its pursuits.