Ukraine’s ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko wrote to Foreign Minister Penny Wong earlier this month asking for energy aid but Australia is unlikely to accept the request.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia would provide the support that was most practical.
He said Australia provides support much focused on military support to allow Ukraine prosecutes the conflict with Russia.
“That is where our focus is and that is where Ukraine wants our focus to be,” Mr Marles said.
Ukraine asked Australia for coal shipments in December following recent attacks by Russia which targeted energy infrastructure, causing an estimated $1 billion worth of damage.
Ambassador said the coal could not only be for thermal power and in terms of heating but also for electricity which is necessary for industry.
Previously, Australia gifted 70,000 tonnes of coal to Ukraine in 2022 at the outbreak of Russia’s war which shipped to Poland and delivered to Ukraine by rail.
Also, additional $100 million have been committed by the federal government in earlier budget this month to support Ukraine.
