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The Australian federal government has announced a new $100 million assistance package for Ukraine as Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles visits the country to witness the destruction caused by the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles visited Ukraine and Poland from 26 to 27 April, meeting with Ukrainian leadership, including Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk.
Marles also met with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz in Poland to discuss the conflict in Ukraine and the global implications of Russia’s breach of the UN Charter.
During the visit, Marles also viewed training conducted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine and toured local defence industry locations integral to Ukraine’s defence against Russia.
The funding announcement made on 27 April by the Australian government includes a $50 million package of military assistance with the support of the Australian defence industry (including $30 million worth of uncrewed aerial systems and $15 million towards other high-priority equipment, such as combat helmets, rigid hull inflatable boats, boots, fire masks and generators) as well as $50 million for short-range air defence systems and delivery of air-to-ground precision munitions.
Marles reiterated Australia’s commitment to the multinational program to train Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel in the United Kingdom, through Operation Kudu.
“Australia remains committed to supporting Ukraine to resolve the conflict on its terms,” he said.
“I am pleased to announce an additional $100 million of military assistance, including world-leading drone technology, with the support of local Australian defence industry.
“Australia is also providing critical air-to-ground precision munitions and short-range air defence systems.
“Ukraine and its people have endured more than two years of Russia’s full-scale invasion, but their spirit remains strong. This was reaffirmed during my meeting with Prime Minister Shmyhal.”
He also thanked the Polish government for its support of the recent six-month deployment of Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail, which helped protect a vital gateway of international humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine. “Australia is proud to be working with our partners, including Poland, to support Ukraine’s self-defence,” Marles said.
The recent announcement brings Australia’s military assistance to $880 million since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and brings Australia’s overall support for Ukraine to over $1 billion.
Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, speaking at the National Press Club of Australia earlier this year, had previously encouraged Deputy PM Marles to visit Ukraine to see the country in person.
“We would definitely welcome a visit from the Deputy Prime Minister (Richard Marles) should he decide he wants to visit Ukraine,” he said on 28 February.
“I know that he’s interested in doing that, he’s told me that a long time ago, and we hope that there will be an opportunity to visit the country.”
Diplomatically, Australia has not retained its embassy in Ukraine after the federal government previously ordered the departure of Australian embassy staff from Ukraine in February 2022.
