CANBERRA: Australia has announced a significant military aid package totaling 100 million Australian dollars ($65.6 million) for Ukraine amidst Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Half of the allocated aid will be directed towards enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities, with the Australian defense industry playing a key role in providing associated services. Specifically, approximately 30 million Australian dollars ($19.7 million) will be utilized to procure unmanned aerial systems, while an additional 15 million Australian dollars ($9.8 million) will cover tactical equipment such as combat boots, helmets, fire masks, generators, and rigid hull inflatable boats.
The remaining funds will be earmarked for the acquisition of short-range air defense systems and air-to-ground precision munitions, further strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against Russian aggression.
This latest investment brings Australia’s total military assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces to 880 million Australian dollars ($577.6 million) since Russia’s attack on Kyiv in 2022, underscoring Canberra’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles unveiled the aid package during a high-level meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Deputy Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Ivan Havryliuk in Kyiv earlier this week. Marles, who also observed training sessions of Ukrainian military recruits and toured local defense industry partners supporting Kyiv’s resistance against Russia, emphasized Australia’s unwavering commitment to standing by Ukraine during this challenging time.
Following his visit to Kyiv, Marles traveled to Warsaw, where he met with Polish counterpart Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz to discuss the broader implications of Russia’s aggression in Eastern Europe. Expressing gratitude to the Polish government for its support, Marles highlighted Australia’s dedication to collaborating with partners like Poland to assist Ukraine in its self-defense efforts.
“Australia remains committed to supporting Ukraine to resolve the conflict on its terms,” Marles affirmed, acknowledging the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity. “Ukraine and its people have endured more than two years of Russia’s full-scale invasion, but their spirit remains strong. Australia is proud to be working with our partners, including Poland, to support Ukraine’s self-defense,” he maintained.
