AFUO thanks Australian government for new military aid package to Ukraine

The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) has expressed its sincere gratitude to the Australian government for announcing a new military assistance package for Ukraine that is worth $95 million.

“We sincerely thank the Albanese Government for today’s announcement of a $95 million package of military assistance to support Ukraine as it continues to bravely resist Russia’s genocidal and brutal full-scale invasion. We also welcome the additional sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet,” the AFUO said in a statement.

The package includes a 50-million-Australian-dollar ($31.1 million) contribution to the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a U.S., and NATO initiative that provides Ukraine with urgently needed weapons; 2 million Australian dollars for the Drone Coalition; and 43 million Australian dollars in military equipment such as tactical air-defense radars, ammunition, and combat engineering assets.

“This assistance will save lives and strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. The reality is that across Ukraine, millions of people are living through unimaginable hardship, and we know just how vital this aid is for their survival and resilience,” the AFUO said.

The community stressed that even amid discussions about peace talks, Russia shows no willingness to negotiate in good faith to end the war unwarranted that it started unjustifiably. .

“It has continued to maintain its maximalist demands, and has only escalated its daily missile and drone attacks and grinding assaults on the frontline. Indicted war criminal Putin has said he will not negotiate with President Zelenskyy and has vowed to “fight to the last Ukrainian.” This is not a country seeking peace — Russia is intent on obliterating Ukraine’s sovereignty and freedom through sheer violence and terror,” the organisation said.

The AFUO said that Australia’s assistance will be immensely valuable to Ukrainians.

“This is why Australia’s support will be deeply appreciated by Ukrainians. The aid is desperately needed now and will help Ukraine continue to resist Russia’s ongoing aggression. Following a year in which no military aid was announced for Ukraine, we hope this signals the Albanese Government’s determination to provide the timely, steady and effective aid that Ukraine requires — and will continue to require to defend itself,” the statement said.

At the same time, the AFUO once again urged the Australian government to close the sanctions loophole that still allows Russia to profit from oil sales.