The war in Ukraine could evolve into a threat to democracies across the world and Australia must do more to help end the conflict, a retired major general says.
Two-and-a-half years after Russia first invaded its neighbour, calls for support are growing louder as international attention shifts to other conflicts.
Retired major general Mick Ryan, appearing at a Senate inquiry into Ukraine funding in Canberra, says the world cannot afford to lose focus.
"The Russia, China, Iran, North Korea axis has metastasised into a global threat against the sovereignty and prosperity of all democracies," he told senators on Monday.
"What happens in Central Europe against Ukraine sends a message to countries like China in our region, North Korea in our region, Russia in our region - that they might be able to get away with similar things."
Australia's support packages have been comparatively small, giving around $1 billion to Ukraine including 120 armoured Bushmaster vehicles.
In comparison, the US has given a whopping $US55 billion ($A84 billion) in security assistance since the February 2022 invasion.
"Australia's aid, like many other countries, is enough to help Ukraine tread water, but not enough for them to defeat the Russians in Ukraine," Mr Ryan said.
Aid organisation World Vision predicted Russia’s offensive will intensify in the coming weeks and months, further strengthening the need for international assistance.
Even the 3.8 million people who were displaced but have returned to their homes require ongoing support for things like protection, employment, livelihoods and housing, the organisation said.
Mr Ryan says this is where Australia could get creative in the kinds of support provided to Ukraine.
"Wars are not military things, they are national things," he said.
"We're seeing a lack of co-ordination manifesting in a lack of creativity in the kind of assistance packages we're seeing."
The federal government could send money to support reconstruction and to rebuild schools, or provide funds for de-mining efforts.
Red Cross executive director Yvette Zegenhagen said the Russian invasion and subsequent humanitarian disaster should help the Australian government plot a “consistent and co-ordinated approach” to similar overseas crises.
"Devastation continues to affect every aspect of people's lives as humanitarian responses shift from an emergency to a protracted crisis scenario," she told the inquiry.
Responses could include emergency evacuations, safe and regular pathways to Australia, and support for migrants in Australia.
