Australia to send $100 million military aid to Ukraine

Defence Minister Richard Marles has announced a new $100 million assistance package for Ukraine, bringing the total Australian commitment so far to $880 million.

However the decision, announced in the Ukrainian city of Lviv, has been immediately criticised as it continues a parsimonious support for the beleaguered country compared to other nations.

Australia’s contribution is the equivalent of 0.041 percent of GDP while Denmark contributed $9.3 billion or two percent of GDP.

Comparable nations such as Canada have aided Ukraine to the tune of 6.1 billion or 0. 3 per cent of GDP.

The new aid includes:

• A $50 million package of military assistance with the support of Australian defence industry. This includes $30 million towards uncrewed aerial systems, and $15 million towards other high priority equipment, such as combat helmets, rigid hull inflatable boats, boots, fire masks and generators
• $50 million for short range air defence systems
• And the delivery of air-to-ground precision munitions.

During his visit, the Deputy Prime Minister met with Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal and Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk.

Marles did not get to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He visited Armed Forces of Ukraine conducting training, and toured local defence industry.

The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Australia’s commitment to the multinational program to train Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel in the United Kingdom, through Operation Kudu.

Marles said in a statement: “Australia remains committed to supporting Ukraine to resolve the conflict on its terms.

“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.”

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