The Australian Government has announced further military support to the Government of Ukraine in response to Russia’s relentless and illegal aggression and an additional A$26.5 million worth of A$26.5 million ($19.4 million at current exchange rates) for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
“This brings Australia’s total military assistance to date to approximately A$191.5 million (approximately $143 million),” Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Defense Secretary Peter Dutton said in a joint press release. (Peter Dutton) Friday.
They indicated that the support is in addition to the $38 million worth of 20 Bushmaster armored personnel carriers that were announced free of charge to Ukraine earlier in the day.
The release clarifies that the government will not disclose specific details of the new aid package or delivery scheme at the direct request of Ukrainian officials and other partners.
“Our government will continue to identify opportunities for further military assistance where it can quickly provide the necessary capabilities to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Australia may be thousands of miles away, but we stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine against this illegal incursion, providing weapons, equipment and even energy carriers,” the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Australia emphasized.
As reported, in addition to military support, Australia’s humanitarian aid to Ukraine at the end of March amounted to almost $50 million, as well as 70,000 tons of thermal coal.
