Greens leader to face Ukrainian envoy over opposition to military aid

David Shoebridge, newly elected head of the Australian Greens, will sit down with Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko to explain his stance against providing military aid to Ukraine. Shoebridge has argued that the Greens, as a non-violent party, should not partake in international arms trade, while still supporting humanitarian assistance and a boycott of Russian oil. Myroshnychenko said he will try to understand Shoebridge’s reasoning and encourage a shift in policy, pointing out that several green parties in Europe do back weapons deliveries.

The position has sparked criticism from Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, who accused Shoebridge of indirectly aiding Russia’s invasion, and has highlighted divisions within the Greens, with Senator Sarah Hanson-Young emphasizing the need for Ukraine’s self-defence. Australia has already contributed over $1.8 billion to Ukraine since 2022, most of it in military form.