Lessons for Australia army from 'tragedy' of Ukraine

The head of the army, sitting alongside the head of the New Zealand army, told The Canberra Times that the war in Ukraine highlighted a string of issues:

Many military analysts reckon that Russia overestimated the ease with which its forces could conquer Ukraine.

It hasn't been able to keep troops supplied, for example, and that inability to move people and supplies to and from the front has hampered its fighting ability.

The flagship of its Black Sea fleet sunk, most likely because the ship's defences were outfoxed (and Russian officers outwitted) in a Ukrainian attack. The Russian assertion is that a fire broke out on board, with no mention of a missile.

The failures have been noted in Canberra.

Lieutenant General Rick Burr said the conflict in Ukraine was a reminder of the horror of war. "It's an absolute tragedy that's unfolding," he said. "It's hard to be optimistic."

"Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine as they deal with their own tragedy. We hope and pray for peace in that region."

As the Anzac ceremony approaches, he reminded people that war is "a very violent and very unpredictable thing, and that it's in no-one's interest that that course of action is pursued".

He said that "the very difficult situation" in Ukraine "reminds us of the sacrifice and service of our own men and women.

The Defence Department is keen that the events of Gallipoli in 1915 aren't just seen as part of history, like some sepia-coloured photograph, but prompt ordinary Australians to realise that the military defence of Australia remains important, and that it involves real sacrifice.

Towards that end, the Morrison government has been trying to strengthen links between Australia, India, Japan and the United States.

One of the lessons of Ukraine was that "we must be prepared to build strong partnerships", as Lieutenant General Burr put it.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade calls this Quad alliance a "key pillar of our Indo-Pacific agenda".

It is not a military alliance but what DFAT calls "a diplomatic network of four countries committed to supporting an open, inclusive and resilient region".

It doesn't mention China but nobody doubts that China is at the heart of the drive for alliances.

The head of the New Zealand army joined the head of the Australian army at the Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.

Afterwards, Major General John Boswell said that the alliance with Australia was "founded at Gallipoli".

"The relationship is of great significance to New Zealand. It has continued through many theatres, both regionally and around the world, and it's right that we take the time to honour those who have served and sacrificed."

Both military chiefs were reluctant to talk about China by name.

"We remain conscious of all the major powers which operate in our region. We look to see that a free and open Pacific remains," the head of the New Zealand army said.

"It's very clear that our strategic environment is changing and that we are modernising our capabilities and strengthening the partnerships through the region," the head of the Australian army said.