Politics · Australia · 1 hr ago
Ukrainian Greens criticise Shoebridge over military aid to Ukraine
The Green Party of Ukraine criticised Australian Greens leader David Shoebridge for opposing military aid to Ukraine.
The dispute concerns Australia’s support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s invasion.
Shoebridge says the Australian Greens support non-military aid and would back military aid if it had United Nations Security Council approval, where Russia can veto a decision.
Ukraine’s Greens argue that refusing defensive weapons helps Russia, and called Shoebridge’s position detached from reality.
The disagreement has become an early distraction for the Australian Greens under Shoebridge’s leadership, while senator Sarah Hanson-Young has supported military aid.
Ukraine’s Greens have asked Shoebridge to reconsider, but he has defended the party’s position and called for a crackdown on Russian oil imports.
The Green Party of Ukraine criticised Australian Greens leader David Shoebridge for opposing military aid to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian party said refusing defensive weapons was a dangerous stance that benefited Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Shoebridge said the Australian Greens support aid to Ukraine but oppose military assistance unless it is backed by the United Nations Security Council.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, met Shoebridge on Friday and left unsatisfied.
The Ukrainian Greens praised Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young for supporting military aid.
- Who
- The Green Party of Ukraine criticised Australian Greens leader David Shoebridge.
- What
- The Ukrainian party objected to Shoebridge’s opposition to military aid for Ukraine.
- When
- The criticism was reported on October 19, 2026. Myroshnychenko met Shoebridge on Friday.
- Where
- The statement was issued from Kyiv; the meeting was in Australia.
- Why
- The Ukrainian Greens said refusing defensive weapons undermines Ukraine’s defence and benefits Russia.
Green Party of Ukraine
David Shoebridge
Military aid
Green Party of Ukraine
It said Ukraine should receive defensive weapons to help defend itself against Russia.
David Shoebridge
He said the Australian Greens oppose military aid except where it is backed by the UN Security Council.
Effect of the position
Green Party of Ukraine
It called the refusal to provide weapons a dangerous illusion that plays into the hands of Vladimir Putin.
David Shoebridge
He said the Greens support direct aid to Ukraine and its right to self-defence, while opposing the international arms trade.
Shoebridge said the Australian Greens’ position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had been the same since 2022.
Shoebridge won the Australian Greens leadership.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, met Shoebridge and left unsatisfied with his position on military aid.
The Green Party of Ukraine’s criticism was reported.
- Ukrainian party
- Green Party of Ukraine
- Australian Greens leader
- David Shoebridge
- Ambassador
- Vasyl Myroshnychenko
- Senator supporting military aid
- Sarah Hanson-Young
- Position on UN backing
- Shoebridge said military aid would be supported if backed by the UN Security Council
What people are saying
Dogmatic pacifism kills.
It is equivalent to asking a criminal for permission to call the police.
Only victory over the aggressor can restore peace and security to the European continent.
The Greens have been clear from day one that we’re a party of peace and non-violence, and we don’t support military aid to the Ukraine.