Australia: Australia, a significant non-NATO contributor to Ukraine, has committed to sending an extra 70 military vehicles to the country as part of its latest assistance package.

Prime Minister Mr. Anthony Albanese revealed a $73.5 million package, stating that the plan had been in deliberation prior to the recent events in Russia.

The comprehensive package encompasses a range of resources, including 28 M113 armoured vehicles, 14 specialised operations vehicles, 28 medium trucks, 14 trailers, and a supplementary supply of 105mm artillery ammunition. This assistance demonstrates Australia’s continued support for Ukraine during this critical period.

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

The Defence Minister, Mr. Richard Marles, stated that he was “proud” of the additional support Australia was offering.

“We expect this to be a protracted conflict, and so we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” Mr. Marles told reporters.

The package, which did not include the Hawkei light armoured patrol vehicles or more Bushmaster infantry vehicles requested by Kyiv, comes as Ukraine continues a counteroffensive to push Russian forces from areas they have occupied in the east of the country.

According to reports, Australia will also extend duty-free access for goods imported from Ukraine for a further 12 months to support its recovery and trade opportunities.

The additional commitments take Australia’s total contribution to support Ukraine to $529 million, just more than three-quarters of it in military assistance.

There will, however, be an extra $6.7 million for the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, a United Nations-led fund to meet the urgent needs of millions of Ukrainian civilians caught up in the conflict.

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