The Australian government announced the provision of its second package of support for Ukraine, ABC News reported. The package includes additional 30 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles and a contingent of up to 70 Australian Defense Force personnel that will be deployed in the United Kingdom to join the British-led multinational training effort known as Operation INTERFLEX.
“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 not just about Ukraine’s sovereignty; the brave people of Ukraine are defending international law, rules and norms,” he added.
With the 30 additional Bushmasters, the total number of these vehicles sent by Australia to Ukraine will reach 90.
“Since their arrival, the Bushmasters have been used extensively by the Ukrainian Armed Forces with more requested by the Ukrainian President, Minister for Defense, and the Ambassador,” Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles said.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba later thanked Australia for the support in a tweet:
Grateful to Australia for the new security assistance package which includes training for our forces and 30 additional Bushmasters. These armored vehicles have shown excellent results on the battlefield and we requested more of them. We will always remember Australia’s support!
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) October 26, 2022
