Shoebridge rejects military aid for Ukraine; allies fire back
Greens leader David Shoebridge opposes Australian military weapons for Ukraine unless the UN Security Council approves, which Russia would block.
Greens leader David Shoebridge says Australia should not send weapons to Ukraine unless the UN Security Council backs it. Russia holds a veto on the council.
Approval would be impossible. Ukraine's ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, called the stance naive.
He said it effectively abandons Ukraine to defend itself with words while Russia uses missiles. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy noted Australia has sent more than $1.6 billion in military aid since Russia's 2022 invasion.
He called refusing further help shameful. Coalition defence spokesman James Paterson said the position was morally wrong.
He said it would let dictators veto Australian foreign policy. Shoebridge stood by the policy.
He argued sanctions and humanitarian aid are better paths.
- More than 1.6 billion dollars since 2022
- Australian military aid sent
- Russia as permanent member
- Security Council veto power
- Vasyl Myroshnychenko
- Ukraine ambassador
- Pat Conroy
- Defence Minister
Why it mattersThe Greens' Ukraine stance splits Australian politics over how to support a democracy under invasion, with major parties and the Ukrainian community pushing back hard.
AustraliaAustralia's role supporting Ukraine faces internal challenge as the new Greens leader questions military aid that Labor and the Coalition back.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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