In the past 12 months, the illegal invasion by Russia of Ukraine has intensified. Moscow’s bombings of Ukrainian cities typically consist of up to 800 murderous missiles and drones per night. Civilian deaths have risen in turn.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have stated on some 24 occasions that Australia “stands with Ukraine” in the past year. Australia has also signed up to the “coalition of the willing” in support of Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.Credit: AP

In the past 12 months, by contrast, the Australian government has made no new contributions of any kind to Ukraine – be they military, humanitarian or reconstruction. In fact, not even the delivery of the full complement of the pledged 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks has yet been achieved, despite the commitment being made in October 2024.

Don’t get me wrong. Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky are very grateful for the tanks received and, indeed, the $1.5 billion in provided aid between 2022 and 2024. We are grateful for the government’s stated solidarity.

However, it is difficult to understand why substantive support has been paused at a time when Ukraine needs it most. Regrettably, there is a growing gap between........

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