Login
iscover
The funds will be used to procure both lethal and non-lethal military equipment for the Ukrainian military administered by the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence, coming just days after the US Senate voted in favour of a US$60 billion package for the country.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
The recent package brings Australia’s total support to $960 million, including $780 million for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The package is fundamental to helping Ukraine end the war “on its own terms”, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles announced.
“Almost two years on from Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion, Australia continues to stand with Ukraine and our international partners in providing meaningful support to enable Ukraine [to] end this war on its own terms,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This contribution to the International Fund for Ukraine will help Ukraine procure the equipment it needs as a priority, delivering real-time effects on the battlefield.”
The financial support continues Australia’s commitment to Ukraine, which includes Operation Kudu, where members of the Australian Defence Force support the training of Ukrainian personnel in the United Kingdom, and the deployment of a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail to Germany.
The announcement comes as NATO leaders prepare to meet in Vilnius to reaffirm the alliance’s commitment to Ukraine and renew their commitment to meeting minimum defence spending.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III will not be present at the meeting due health concerns. The US will be represented by US ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith.
“Since the investment pledge was made in 2014, European allies and Canada have added more than 600 billion US dollars for defense,” NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said.
“In 2024, NATO allies in Europe will invest a combined total of [US]$380 billion in defense.
“For the first time, this amounts to 2 per cent of their combined GDP.
“With our help, the brave Ukrainians have retaken half of the territory that Russia seized, opened a corridor in the Black Sea and are inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces.”
Earlier this week, the US Senate approved a US$60 billion support package for Ukraine, which includes US$14 billion to purchase weapons and munitions, as well as funding to support funding to support Ukraine’s public sector.
It is unclear whether the package will pass the House, with the GOP divided over ongoing support for the beleaguered nation.
Liam Garman
Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media
