Australia urged to step up Ukraine aid, retired major general says

Australia should restructure and boost aid to Ukraine, a retired Australian Army major general has said, warning a Russian victory in the war-torn country would embolden an emerging coalition of authorial regimes. Speaking before a Senate committee on Monday, Mick Ryan described an alliance between Russia, China, Iran and North Korea as an “axis” that has “metastiasised into a global threat against the sovereignty and prosperity of all democracies.” Any strategic Russia success would create a “much darker global security environment” and make it harder to deal with the likes of China, which has been aggressively expanding its influence in the Pacific. “Supporting Ukraine sends an important message of Australian resolve in commitment as we work with other democracies to confront predatory regimes,” Mr Ryan, who commanded troops in East Timor and the Middle East, said. “Australia has an obligation to play role which is aligned with its international status as a prosperous, diverse and wealthy democracy in confronting the threats to our security and prosperity that lay beyond our immediate regional backyard.” Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Australia has given Kyiv some $1bn in aid to help fight back, with the Albanese government earlier this year pledging $250m. But Mr Ryan, now a senior fellow at the Sydney-based Lowy Institute, said it is a drop in the ocean when compared to contributions of other wealthy allies. “Despite the welcome recent $250m commitment, Australia still only dedicates a very small percentage of GDP to support Ukraine,” he said. Mr Ryan said the annual amount Australia has given Ukraine is less than half a week’s spending on Australia’s own defence. Though, the amount of aid is just one area for improvement, he said. He said the scope of support, diplomatic support for Australia’s aid commitments and co-ordination were also key. Though, how aid is provided is just as important as how much is given, he said. Russia’s war in Ukraine has killed and wounded hundreds of thousands on both sides and displaced more than 10 million. Some 11,500 Ukrainians have found safe haven in Australia.