Australia to Provide Ukraine with Another $100 Million Military Aid Package
On April 27, Australian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Marles announced that Australia is preparing to provide Ukraine with a new military aid package worth approximately $100 million. The announcement was made during a joint briefing with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal in Lviv, which was broadcasted on the Ukrainian government’s YouTube channel.
This new aid package is a testament to the strong and growing partnership between Australia and Ukraine. It also reflects Australia’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of ongoing aggression from Russia.
The aid package will include a range of military equipment and training programs to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities. This includes the provision of modern weapons, such as anti-tank missiles and small arms, as well as training for Ukrainian soldiers in areas such as counterinsurgency and cyber defense.
In addition to the military aid, Australia will also continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. This includes support for internally displaced persons and those affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
During the briefing, Vice Prime Minister Marles emphasized that Australia’s support for Ukraine is not just about providing military aid, but also about standing in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. He reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to working closely with Ukraine to address the ongoing challenges and threats to its security.
Prime Minister Shmyhal expressed his gratitude for Australia’s continued support and emphasized the importance of international partnerships in ensuring Ukraine’s security and stability. He also highlighted the significant progress that Ukraine has made in modernizing its armed forces and thanked Australia for its contribution to this effort.
This new military aid package is just the latest in a series of support that Australia has provided to Ukraine in recent years. In 2019, Australia provided $10 million in military aid, which included the provision of lethal weapons for the first time. This was followed by an additional $10 million in 2020, which focused on training and capacity building for the Ukrainian armed forces.
The strong partnership between Australia and Ukraine is also evident in other areas, such as trade and investment. In 2020, the two countries signed a free trade agreement, which is expected to boost bilateral trade and strengthen economic ties.
Australia’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is a reflection of its commitment to upholding international law and promoting peace and stability in the region. As a member of the international community, Australia stands with Ukraine in condemning Russia’s ongoing aggression and supports diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In conclusion, Australia’s announcement of a new $100 million military aid package for Ukraine is a clear demonstration of its unwavering support for Ukraine’s security and stability. This aid will not only enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities but also strengthen the partnership between the two countries. Australia remains committed to standing by Ukraine’s side and working together to address the challenges and threats to its security.