Anthony Albanese suddenly visited Ukraine on Sunday after attending the NATO summit in Madrid. The Australian Prime Minister has lit candles for civilians buried in a mass grave in the town of Bucha near Kieu, the Ukrainian capital, where Russian soldiers have been accused of committing atrocities. He said Australia shared the community's desire for justice for the victims.
Albaniji also went to another war-damaged town, Irpin, to witness the devastation and talk to reporters.
"There is clearly a residential building here, and another building is brutally assaulted just behind it," he said. "This is a war crime. It's devastating. These are livelihoods and actually lost lives."
Albany also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Australia is sending more military aid to Ukraine, including more than 30 additional armored vehicles and drones.
Canberra has also imposed additional sanctions and travel bans on 16 Russian ministers and oligarchs, ending Australia's Russian gold imports.
Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent for The Conversation, an online news service, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that Prime Minister Albaniji's visit to Ukraine is important.
"I think it's a very important visit, as Australia emphasizes the solidarity that Australia is showing in this situation, the terrible situation," Gratin said. "I think people welcome this new commitment made by the Prime Minister with military equipment."
The Australian Government is also considering reopening the embassy in Ukraine.
Albaniji has joined the long list of world leaders who have visited the country since the invasion of Russia began in February.
He traveled by armored train and entered Ukraine from Poland. He was overshadowed by Ukrainian special forces. Thousands of Ukrainian refugees have been granted temporary asylum in Australia.
