The commitment includes 30 more Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles being delivered to Ukraine. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
Australia will send more Bushmaster vehicles to Ukraine and up to 70 defence force personnel to the UK to train Ukrainian troops.
The commitment that includes 30 of the Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles is the latest boost in Australia’s support for Ukraine in their war against Russia.
Australia has now committed a total of 90 Bushmasters to the war-torn country. In addition to the Bushmasters, Australia has provided aid in the form of armoured vehicles, anti-armour weapons, unmanned aerial systems and more.
The ADF deployment to the UK for the training program is expected to happen in January, though no specific dates were given due to operational security. The Albanese government emphasised that the ADF members will not be entering 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 Defence Minister Richard Marles.
“Since their arrival, the Bushmasters have been used extensively by the Ukrainian Armed Forces with more requested by the Ukrainian President, Minister for Defence, and the Ambassador.”
Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, thanked Australia on Twitter for the support and said the Bushmasters have given Ukraine excellent results on the battlefield.
The federal budget this week saw more than $200 million for Ukraine, with $185.6 million in defence assistance from within existing resources. Support to Ukraine now reaches $655 million, including $475 million in military assistance. It is understood the defence department will absorb the cost of the additional military assistance.
“Australia has been unequivocal in its bipartisan support for Ukraine and its condemnation of President Putin,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“We will continue to stand up for freedom and democracy.
“This is a not just about Ukraine’s sovereignty; the brave people of Ukraine are defending international law, rules and norms.”
The ADF members will be flying to the UK as part of Operation Interflex, a mission which also involves personnel from other countries, including New Zealand, Sweden, Finland and Canada.
