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Australia announces USD 65m military aid package for Ukraine

29.04.2024 09:00
Australia has announced a military aid package for Ukraine worth 100 million Australian dollars (USD 65 million) as Kyiv pleads for greater Western support in its resistance against invading Russian forces. 
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles.Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the money would be used to fund short-range air defence systems, drones for the Ukrainian military and equipment including helmets, inflatable boats, fire masks and electricity generators, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

Marles made the announcement during a trip to Ukraine where he met with the country's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Deputy Defence Minister Ivan Havryliuk, according to the abc.net.au website.

"Ukraine and its people have endured more than two years of Russia's full-scale invasion but their spirit remains strong," Marles said in a statement, as cited by the Australian broadcaster.

He added that the latest package took Australia's military assistance for Ukraine to 880 million Australian dollars (USD 575 million) since Russia began its invasion in February 2022.

Last week, Marles visited Warsaw where Poland and Australia pledged to continue their joint support for Ukraine, according to reports.

During the meeting, Poland's Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed gratitude toward Australia for its substantial support to Ukraine, encompassing financial, humanitarian and military assistance, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.

Monday is day 796 of Russia's war on Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: PAP, IAR, news.sky.comabc.net.au