Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, has issued a powerful warning to the international community, cautioning that the future of global democracy hangs in the balance as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine grinds into its fourth year.
Speaking at the National Press Club during a University of Canberra event, Ambassador Myroshnychenko described the war in Ukraine not just as a regional conflict, but a global test of democratic resilience.
“The reason we’re asking for support is because if we fall, you all will crumble,” he said.
“Let me tell you, Australia: this war is next door. It’s so close you cannot even imagine.”
War in Ukraine: A Global Democratic Battle
The ambassador’s comments come over three years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. Since then, Ukraine has become a flashpoint in the geopolitical struggle between autocracies and democracies. Myroshnychenko emphasized that failure in Ukraine would embolden authoritarian regimes worldwide.
“Autocracies are abusing their leverage globally. Democracies, once the majority, are now in retreat. If Ukraine loses, it will be a catastrophic loss for the free world.”
Australia has emerged as a key ally, committing more than $1.5 billion to Ukraine — including $1.3 billion in military aid and training — since the war began. Ambassador Myroshnychenko has held the post since March 2022, becoming a prominent voice for Ukraine’s international outreach.
A Call for Stronger Economic Ties
The ambassador used the Canberra event to urge closer economic cooperation between Australia and Ukraine, particularly in the area of critical minerals and rare earth elements. These resources are vital to clean energy technologies, defense systems, and high-tech manufacturing.
“We must form an alliance of democracies in rare earths and critical minerals,” he said. “Together, we can reduce dependency on authoritarian supply chains.”
The Albanese government recently announced plans to establish a national critical minerals reserve — a move welcomed by the ambassador. The initiative aims to secure strategic stockpiles and reduce Australia’s reliance on Chinese refining, which currently accounts for around 90% of global rare earth processing.
“This isn’t just about economics; it’s about sovereignty and security,” he added.
European Union Ambassador to Australia, Gabriele Visentin, echoed support for the initiative, confirming that the EU is “watching the process with interest.”
Invitation to Visit Kyiv
During his recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass in Rome, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was formally invited to visit Kyiv. Ambassador Myroshnychenko reiterated hopes that the trip will occur in June, emphasizing the symbolic and diplomatic importance of such a visit.
“A visit by Prime Minister Albanese would send a strong signal that Australia stands firmly with democracies under threat,” Myroshnychenko said.
In a major economic development, Ukraine recently signed a deal with the United States to establish a joint investment fund focused on natural resource extraction and post-war reconstruction. Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, called the fund a “strategic commitment” that will attract global investors and help rebuild Ukraine’s economy.
“Together, Ukraine and the United States will invest in recovery and growth — on terms that protect our sovereignty and empower our future,” she said.
The fund is expected to play a vital role in the recovery of Ukraine’s economy once peace is restored and underscores the strategic value of Ukraine’s natural resource sector to global partners.
Read More:Putin proposes peace talk with Ukraine after three years of war
A Warning to Democracies Everywhere
Ambassador Myroshnychenko’s speech ended with a sobering message to Australians: democracy is not guaranteed. “You have great elections here. A very robust democracy in Australia. But don’t take it for granted,” he warned. “It can be taken away very easily.”
As authoritarian regimes gain influence and use economic coercion as a tool of control, he stressed the need for democracies to band together and act decisively.
“This war is not just Ukraine’s fight — it’s the world’s fight,” he concluded. “Support Ukraine, because if we lose, we all lose.”
Key Highlights:
- Ambassador warns that Russia’s victory would embolden autocracies globally.
- Urges Australia to strengthen economic ties with Ukraine, especially in critical minerals.
- Welcomes Australia’s strategic minerals reserve and encourages alliance-building.
- Reinforces call for Prime Minister Albanese to visit Kyiv.
- Praises new joint U.S.-Ukraine investment fund for rebuilding the Ukrainian economy.
