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Australia will soon have a diplomatic presence in Kyiv again.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed the news, travelling to Ukraine to visit the embassy.
There, she thanked local staff who’ve continued to serve in Kyiv while the ambassador worked from Poland.
“You’ve done it at a time when your country’s been at war, so I want to thank you personally for that, from the people of Australia, and the government of Australia to all of you and your families. Thank you so much for the work you've done.”
Most western embassies re-opened more than two years ago.
So, why the delay?
Senator Wong says it comes down to safety.
"I’m not going to go through every aspect of security arrangements as you'd understand, but we’re at a point now where the advice to me and to the secretary is that the arrangements are as such that it is safe to do so, we do feel that we can do so responsibly."
It's not exactly clear why it was not safe last month for the ambassador to be based in Kyiv, but it will be safe next month.
The Australian embassy is in the same building as the Canadian embassy and the Canadians re-opened just 3 months after the full-scale invasion began.
Senator Wong says the situation for Canada is different to Australia's.
"Canada is a NATO member and there are obviously arrangements as NATO partners that as a non-NATO partner we’re not part of. So, we're pleased that we have worked through the arrangements and through all the things we had to do in order to ensure security for our people."
The Foreign Minister denied the decision was in response to the coalition’s pledge to re-open the embassy if it wins power.
Celebrations to mark the announcement were held inside the Canadian part of the building with the Australian side to re-open in January.
Almost 2 years ago, SBS News asked Volodymyr Zelenskyy if he’d like the Australian ambassador to return.
"To shake hands with the ambassador of Australia, I'll do it with pleasure. Please come. Come back. But on Bushmaster, we need one more."
He’s not on a bushmaster but Ambassador Paul Lehmann is happy to soon work out of Kyiv rather than Warsaw.
"I expect I’ll need to change some of my habits of doing things by remote means, but that will come back very naturally and swiftly, I'm sure. I would say that we're very welcomed here, the international community I'm sure will provide me with all the means that I would need to make that a swift and effective transition."
Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha insists the delay hasn’t damaged the bilateral relationship but adds the decision to re-open the embassy will improve it.
Ukraine has now received more than 1 point 5 billion dollars in funding and military equipment from Australia.
But is still seeking more, particularly the popular Bushmasters.
"The situation on the battlefield remains very difficult, the need to strengthen our soldiers remains extremely urgent. That is why today I have requested additional military support, including Australia's famous Bushmaster."
The foreign minister says that request will be taken back to Canberra.
For now, Senator Wong has announced $66 million dollars to help with recovery and reconstruction, $10 million to help fix energy supplies, and $80 thousand to help a children's charity.
Project Manager at Save Ukraine, Anastasiia Dovbina, says the donation will make a big difference.
“This war is about children, and about our people, it’s not just about our land. Children are the primary reason we should fight for here and that is why a contribution to the healing and recovery of children and families is extremely crucial as we need to understand that if we build a resilient generation there is a high future for Ukraine.”
And it's why Ukraine continues to need the help of friends, even those on the other side of the world.
