SYDNEY: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Monday that the Australian government would provide a new A$110 million ($73.5 million) package to Ukraine, including 70 military vehicles, in an effort to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
This additional commitment brings Australia’s total contribution to Ukraine to A$790 million, with A$610 million dedicated to military support since the conflict began in February 2022.
During a media briefing in Canberra, Prime Minister Albanese emphasized that the additional support aims to make a tangible difference and assist the courageous Ukrainian people who are facing Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war. He clarified that the decision was not prompted by recent events in Russia, such as the brief takeover of the Russian city of Rostov by heavily-armed Russian mercenaries, which posed a significant challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s authority.
Albanese affirmed that the proposal had been in the works for some time and was not a reactionary measure. Australia, as one of the largest non-NATO contributors to the West’s support for Ukraine, has been actively providing aid, ammunition, and defense equipment, including numerous Bushmaster armored vehicles. The country has also imposed sanctions on approximately 1,000 Russian individuals and entities and banned the export of alumina and aluminium ores, including bauxite, to Russia.
Australia Extends Duty-free Access for Goods Imported from Ukraine
In addition to the military assistance, Australia will extend duty-free access for goods imported from Ukraine for another 12 months, aiming to bolster Ukraine’s economy and trade. The latest package includes 28 M113 armored vehicles, 14 special operations vehicles, 28 medium trucks, and 14 trailers.
Prime Minister Albanese also expressed his government’s appreciation for the Australian High Court’s dismissal of Russia’s challenge to prevent the federal government from taking control of land leased to build a new embassy near the parliament house in Canberra. He called on the Russian Federation to respect the court’s ruling.
Australia recently canceled Russia’s lease to build a new embassy on June 15, citing national security concerns. The move drew criticism from the Kremlin, which characterized it as an expression of Australia’s anti-Russian sentiment.
