If the Ukrainian wall falls, the pieces will reach Canberra."
That was the stark warning from Ukraine's Ambassador, Vasyl Myroshnychenko — who sent a clear signal that his country's collapse is not just a regional issue, but the starting point of the collapse of global democracy.
In his speech at an event organized by the University of Canberra at the National Press Club last Monday night, he called on Australia to continue to support Ukraine, not only for the sake of global democracy, but also for the sake of the increasingly critical future of the minerals industry.
Ukraine and Australia, he said, could become superpowers in the supply of rare earths to provide an alternative to the dominance of China, which currently processes 90% of the world's supply.
He also stressed that democracy as practiced in Australia cannot be taken for granted, because it can be seized at any time, especially with the growing threat of autocracy globally.
So far, Australia has contributed more than $1.5 billion to Ukraine's war effort and is set to go further with a proposal to establish a critical minerals reserve to reduce dependence on China.
Ukraine is also now establishing a joint investment fund with the US to attract global investors after the war ends — an initial step in rebuilding the country, with minerals as a bet for the future.
