Australia to send Ukraine $95m in face of 'unacceptable Russian brutality'

It brings Australia's total support to more than $1.7 billion since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

A man in a suit addresses the media

Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia's "commitments will make a tangible difference in Ukraine's defence against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion". Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

Australia has pledged $95 million to Ukraine, saying it will make a "tangible difference" to the nation's war effort.

The latest aid package brings the country's total support of Ukraine to $1.7 billion since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a joint statement on Thursday.

The ministers also announced targeted sanctions on an additional 45 Russian "shadow fleet" vessels — oil tankers used to carry Russian oil to refineries in other countries and thus circumvent sanctions imposed by Australia and other countries.

An SBS investigation in October revealed that, at that time, at least 25 shadow fleet vessels remained in the supply chains of Australian companies.

"Australia's sanctions complement those of key partners ... as part of a coordinated effort to starve Russia's oil revenues and limit its ability to finance its invasion," Wong said.
"As a result of actions we have taken, direct Australian imports of Russian energy products have fallen from $80 million before Russia's invasion to zero."

Marles said: "Australia is unwavering in its support for Ukraine. These commitments will make a tangible difference in Ukraine's defence against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion."

Australia has also imposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on more than 1,180 people and 293 entities.

Support for the 'brave Ukrainian people'

Of the $95 million, $50 million will go towards the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) initiative to supply Ukraine with critical military equipment.

Australian Defence Force supplies and weapons worth $43 million will also be donated, including tactical air defence radars, munitions and combat engineering equipment.

An extra $2 million will be provided to help Ukraine with advanced drone technologies.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said military support for Ukraine was about supporting the "brave Ukrainian people" to stand up against "unacceptable Russian brutality and aggression".

"The end of this war can't come soon enough, but it needs to be a lasting peace that does justice to the courage that the Ukrainians have shown," he told ABC RN on Thursday morning.

The announcement comes during another round of peace talks aimed at ending the war.

However, the path ahead for Ukraine peace talks is unclear, US president Donald Trump said on Wednesday, after what he previously described as "reasonably good" talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoys.

A meeting between the White House and Ukrainian officials is scheduled for Thursday.

— Additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.


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By Cameron Carr

Source: SBS News



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