Ambassador to Ukraine

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Paul Lehmann as Australia’s next Ambassador to Ukraine. The Ambassador to Ukraine is also accredited to the Republic of Moldova.

Under Mr Lehmann’s leadership, Australia’s Embassy to Ukraine will continue to play a vital role in supporting the provision of Australian assistance to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s aggression.

Australia has significantly deepened its relationship with Ukraine in recent years.

As Ambassador, Mr Lehmann will contribute to the Government’s objective of helping empower Ukraine to end the war on its own terms. 

Mr Lehmann will work to expand our engagement with the Government of Ukraine and other partners on our shared interests, including humanitarian assistance, trade and investment, energy and food security, multilateral cooperation, and people to people links.

Mr Lehmann will also work to advance Australia’s interests in Moldova and maintain our consular support to Australians in the region.

Mr Lehmann is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Minister-Counsellor (Governance) at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby.

He has previously served overseas as High Commissioner to Nigeria and Minister-Counsellor (Development) at the Australian Embassy in Afghanistan.

I thank outgoing Ambassador Bruce Edwards for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Ukraine and Moldova during a challenging period since 2020.