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The defence minister has confirmed Australia is in negotiations with Ukraine to explore further options to support the embattled nation’s resistance against Russia.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles has confirmed he is in talks with his counterpart, Minister for Defence of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov, regarding the potential for additional military aid.
Deputy PM Marles said Australia is considering requests for additional armoured vehicles and strike capability to ensure Ukrainian forces are equipped to resist Russian aggressors in what is expected to be a “protracted conflict”.
“…ultimately, the objective of Australia, [NATO] and all those countries supporting Ukraine, is to make sure that Ukraine is in a position to ultimately resolve this conflict on its own terms,” he told the ABC.
“That has to be what happens here given the unprovoked aggression that we saw from Russia in originally invading Ukraine.
“And to do that means being there for the long term and that’s how we see it.”
This follows a request from Ukrainian ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, for the delivery of 30 Thales-built Hawkei protected mobility vehicles and Howitzers to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Described as a “win-win” arrangement, he said the deal would enable the Australian Army to test the newly built vehicles in a live warzone before official deployment with the Australian Army.
Myroshnychenko has also requested a further 30 Bushmasters for Ukraine, building on the 60 Bushmasters and 28 M113 armoured personnel carriers already committed.
“We will be looking at how we can provide that ongoing support,” Minister Marles added.
“But I think the point here is that really reflects the benefit of the support that we’ve already provided.”
Thus far, the value of Australia’s military assistance to Ukraine totals approximately $388 million.
[Related: Ukraine ambassador pitches Hawkei delivery ]
