Australia announces sending soldiers to train Ukrainian troops
Sydney, Australia, Oct 27 (EFE).- The Australian government announced Thursday it will send 70 soldiers to the United Kingdom to provide military training to Ukrainian troops, as well as around 30 additional armored vehicles.
The Australian soldiers will be deployed from January and will join the UK-led international contingent that aims to train some 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers every three months.
However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defense Minister Richard Marles clarified in a joint statement that their country’s troops would not enter Ukrainian territory.
“Our soldiers will be part of a large training program in the United Kingdom to help prepare their Ukrainian mates for their struggle against Russia’s unwarranted and unlawful aggression,” said Marles.
The Albanese government also announced the shipment of 30 “Bushmaster” vehicles, bringing the total shipment of these locally made light armored vehicles to Ukraine to 90.
Following the latest announcement, Australia’s aid to Ukraine now touches some AU$655 million ($425 million), mainly in armored vehicles and military equipment.
Australia, one of the non-NATO countries that has contributed most to military aid to Ukraine, has taken numerous measures against Russia, including the imposition of hundreds of sanctions on individuals and entities linked to the military invasion that began on Feb.24. EFE
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