Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has visited war-torn Ukraine, the Labor leader adding a side trip on his way home from Paris on Sunday.
Details of the Ukraine visit have not been officially revealed.
The trip follows an invitation in June from Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, to Mr Albanese to visit the nation’s capital Kyiv.
Reuters reported that Governor Oleksiy Kuleba wrote on Telegram that Mr Albanese visited the towns of Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel, where Ukraine says Russia committed atrocities against civilians. Russia denies the allegations.
“Australia supports Ukraine and wants to see justice meted out for the crimes committed here,” Mr Kuleba quoted Albanese as saying.
Australia has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and pledged $285 million of military aid including armoured personnel carriers and Bushmaster vehicles.
During his Europe visit, Mr Albanese indicated Australia would look to re-establish a diplomatic presence in Ukraine. Australian embassy staff have been working from neighbouring Poland since the Ukraine crisis began.
Mr Albanese is expected back in Australia on Tuesday.
Reported with Reuters.
