The government of Australia announced its contribution of AUD $50 million (USD $32.4 million), to the International Fund for Ukraine, Administered by the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence, the funds will be used to strengthen Ukraine’s defense. The financial aid was delivered on the eve of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion.
“Australia remains steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine and the Ukrainians who are defending their people, their territory, and their sovereignty. The contribution announced today will take Australia’s overall support to Ukraine to approximately $960 million, including $780 million in assistance for Ukraine’s Armed Forces,” according to the announcement.
Additionally, the Australian Defence Forces’ Operation Kudu continues making significant contributions to multinational efforts in support of Ukraine, with a focus on training recruits for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Australian military personnel are providing training to Ukrainians in the United Kingdom.
“Australia’s E-7A Wedgetail aircraft is also lending its unique capabilities in Germany to help protect a vital international gateway of military and humanitarian assistance into Ukraine. Australia again calls on Russia to immediately withdraw from Ukrainian territory and for Belarus to stop supporting Russia’s senseless war,” the message reads.
Australians support the brave Ukrainian people, emphasized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “We stand with Ukraine in support of its courageous people and also in defence of a fundamental principle – the right of every sovereign nation to be secure in its own borders and to determine its own future,” he added.
Previously, Kateryna Argyrou, a member of the UWC Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) expressed gratitude to the Australian government for the provided support; however, she called for an increase in aid to Ukraine.
“Australian support packages for Ukraine have become smaller and less frequent over the last two years. Australia was once the leading non-NATO contributor to Ukraine, but now ranks sixth after Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria and South Korea. Australians have noticed, and want the government to do more,” she said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Australia for the support. “Australia demonstrates its commitment to defending freedom, life, and international order, which is exactly the right thing to do for all free nations on all continents. Our countries may be geographically distant, but our shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law bind us together. We will never forget Australia and its support,” Zelensky wrote.
A recent poll found that over 80 percent of Australians support the continuation of their government’s support for Ukraine. The survey, commissioned by the AFUO, was conducted by SEC Newgate Mood of the Nation.
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