Politics

Australia announces $74-million military package for Ukraine

Sydney, Australia, June 26 (EFE).- Australia said on Monday that it would send 70 military vehicles to Ukraine to “make a real difference on the battlefield” against Russian aggression.

The military assistance worth over $ 74 million includes almost three dozen armored vehicles, transport trucks, and artillery shells.

“Australia has stood with Ukraine each and every day since Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, announcing new support for the war-battered nation “that will make a real difference on the battlefield.”

“We’ll provide an extra 70 military vehicles and more ammunition. And we’ll help the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund provide support like clean water, shelter and health services,” Albanese said in a statement. “The people of Ukraine can count on Australia.”

Albanese said his government supported international efforts to ensure Russian President Vladimir “Putin’s aggression fails and that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity prevails.”

“Australia is unwavering in our resolve to condemn and oppose Russia’s actions and to help Ukraine achieve victory.”

Defense Minister Richard Marles said Ukraine had demonstrated “strength, resilience and courage in defending against Russia’s unjust invasion.”

“Ukraine has highlighted the utility of Australian vehicles on the battlefield. This package will continue to support Ukrainians on the front line.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Australian government paid tribute to the “extraordinary courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people.”

“Ukrainian families, children, and the elderly have borne a terrible cost from Russia’s invasion, and Australia is providing funding to support them,” she said. “Russia cannot be allowed to infringe upon another country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Since the Russian invasion that began on Feb.24, 2022, Australia has become one of the biggest non-NATO contributors to Ukraine.

The Australian government has since sent weapons, ammunition, military vehicles, and humanitarian packages worth $528 million to Ukraine.

The government has sanctioned over 1,000 Russian leaders, businessmen, and organizations. EFE

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