A national survey conducted in early February 2024 provides fresh insight into the depth of Australian opposition towards Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the rising number of Australians who believe the Federal Government should do more to support Ukraine as it approaches the 2nd anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
An overwhelming proportion of Australians (82%) agree that Russia should cease its invasion and exit Ukraine, with many agreeing that “the Ukrainian people are suffering.”
An overwhelming majority (also 82%) believe that the Government should provide at least current levels of support, with a sizeable rise in the number of those who believe the Government should provide more aid to Ukraine – increasing from 17% in June 2023, to 24%.
The online survey with 1,588 Australians found high levels of support for providing humanitarian aid, increasing Russian sanctions and providing retired military equipment, the latter of which is particularly significant following the Government’s missed opportunity to supply Taipan helicopters to Ukraine.
The Australians surveyed also have a clear understanding of why the Government should provide ongoing aid to Ukraine. There was significant agreement that “things will only get worse if countries can expand their borders by force” and that it is important to support a rules-based system and democracies which share Australian values.
Researchers noted that support for Government aid for Ukraine, and reasons why it should be provided, was higher among respondents aged 50 years and over.
The research was commissioned by the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) — which represents the interests of the Ukrainian community in Australia — and conducted by SEC Newgate Australia. The survey was in the field from 1-5 February 2024.
Stefan Romaniw OAM and Kateryna Argyrou, Co-chairs of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, said:
“These results are heartening and show the Australian people know what Ukraine is fighting for and want the Federal Government to step up to do more.
Australians know that the war is a significant contributor to inflation, and understand that inflation falls when Russia is defeated. They understand Australia needs to help end this war as soon as possible.
Australian support packages for Ukraine have become smaller and less frequent over the last two years. While Australia was once the top contributor to Ukraine outside of NATO, we now trail Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria and South Korea.
We remain incredibly grateful for all that the Government has done over the last two years, but without ongoing, ambitious and timely support, Australia’s impact is reduced.
The Prime Minister has said ‘Australia stands with Ukraine’, so we call on him to match rhetoric with action.
Coordinated and well-calibrated support continues to be needed, including offensive and defensive capabilities, protective equipment, ammunition, humanitarian aid, coal, and medivac channels.
Later this month, we will mark two long years of Russia’s genocidal attacks, terrorism and war crimes.”
