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The Australian government has pledged an additional $110 million assistance package to Ukraine but has stopped short of offering main battle tanks or fast attack aircraft coveted by Ukrainian leadership.
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Under the new assistance package, the war-torn country will receive 28 M113 armoured personnel carrier, 14 special operations vehicles, 28 MAN 40M medium trucks, 14 trailers and supplies of 105mm artillery ammunition.
The federal government has also announced funding donations of $10 million to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which manages the Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund for shelter, health services, clean water, and sanitation.
Australia will also extend duty free access for goods imported from Ukraine for a further 12 months to support recovery and trade opportunities. In total, Australia has now contributed around $790 million in military assistance to Ukraine.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said armed forces in Ukraine have highlighted the utility of Australian vehicles on the battlefield there.
“Ukraine has demonstrated strength, resilience, and courage in defending against Russia’s unjust invasion. Australia is proud to be one of the largest non-NATO contributors in support of Ukraine and will continue to support Ukraine to end the war on its own terms,” he said.
“This package will continue to support Ukrainians on the front line.”
Speaking at the announcement of the support, the Deputy PM declined to comment on the prospect of Australia providing F-18 Hornet fighter jets to Ukraine.
Minister of Defence of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov publicly applauded the support package on social media. The Ukrainian official has previously suggested Australia should join the international alliance supplying main battle tanks to Ukraine and welcomed the prospect of fighter jets sent to the country.
“I am grateful to Australia for the Anzac spirit and for standing strong with Ukraine,” he said.
“Thanks a lot to (Australian Deputy PM) Richard Marles for the new package of military aid, which includes APCs, military vehicles and ammunition.
“Ukrainian soldiers can really feel the Aussie mateship despite the distance of 15,000 kilometres.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the latest support package demonstrates that Ukraine can count on Australia.
“We support international efforts to ensure Putin’s aggression fails and that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity prevails,” he said.
“Australia is unwavering in our resolve to condemn and oppose Russia’s actions and to help Ukraine achieve victory.”
Earlier this week, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw his forces from Ukraine after internal strife in Russia over the weekend.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia pays tribute to the extraordinary courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people.
“Ukrainian families, children, and the elderly have borne a terrible cost from Russia’s invasion, and Australia is providing funding to support them,” she said.
“Russia cannot be allowed to infringe upon another country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
