Global Roaming with Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald Is Australia inadvertently funding Russia's 'war machine'?
Mar 17, 2026
Anastasia Radina, Ukrainian MP and anti-corruption chair, visits to press Australia on tighter measures. She highlights how refined Russian oil routed via India may finance the war. Conversations cover Ukraine's drone and air-defence strengths, risks from sanctions shifts, corruption reforms, wartime civilian hardships and practical ways Australia can help.
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Ukraine As A Drone Technology Crucible
- Ukraine has become a frontline lab for drone warfare, rapidly evolving tactics and technology in real combat conditions.
- Radina argued democratic partners should access Ukraine's battlefield-tested drone know-how to avoid falling behind Russia, Iran and North Korea.
Australia's Hidden Fuel Link To Russian Revenues
- Australia may be indirectly funding Russia by importing refined oil that originated in Russia and was refined in India.
- Anastasiia Radina said Australia bought about $1.3 billion of such oil, nearly matching Australia’s $1.7 billion military support to Ukraine, creating a revenue flow to Russia.
Sanction Rollbacks Feed Further Aggression
- Relaxing sanctions amid other crises risks empowering Russia to fund further aggression.
- Radina warned waivers or sanction rollbacks (citing US moves) give Russia fresh revenues that are then used to kill Ukrainian civilians.