Australian troops training Ukrainian soldiers in the UK last year. Photo: Department of Defence.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has doubled down on Australian support for Ukraine even as Ukraine-US relations hit a new low.
He reaffirmed the support at a doorstep interview in Wentworthville, Sydney, yesterday at the opening of an urgent care clinic.
“We have unequivocal and unconditional support for the brave struggle of the people of Ukraine,” Albanese told a journalist when asked if Australia would back European military support if the US withdrew its support.
“Ukraine is defending its national sovereignty but it’s also defending the international rule of law; that is why Australia has a national interest in providing support.”
He again pointed out that Australia has given $1.5 billion in support, of which $1.3 billion was military-related such as tanks, artillery and armoured vehicles.
The PM remained non-committal when asked if Australia would give further financial aid after the UK just announced an extra A$4.46 bn for Ukraine, to be funded by the frozen assets of Russian oligarchs.
“We examine support on an ongoing basis,” he said.
“I must have made at least half a dozen announcements, as prime minister, of support based upon requests from the Ukrainian Government.”
Albanese said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is “a hero” for leading his country through war against a much bigger enemy.
“They (the Ukrainian people) have shown great bravery, and President Zelenskyy has shown leadership.”
A planned mineral deal between the US and Ukraine was scuppered in full view of the press at the US White House on Friday (US time) with Zelenskyy ordered to leave.
The Ukrainian leader has since been warmly welcomed by Britain’s King Charles and found the support of other European leaders.
UK AID
Apart from the $4.46b funding deal, the UK Government says 200 new jobs will be created and 700 supported in Belfast under a new A$3.24bn deal with Thales to make 5000 lightweight air defence missiles for Kyiv.
A previous deal the UK Government signed with Thales in September 2024 delivered 650 missiles and the new contract will ensure deliveries continue.
Earlier this month, the UK Defence Secretary announced a new A$303m military support package for Ukrainian frontline troops.
