Ahead of the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Australian government will provide a $50 million grant to the International Fund for Ukraine, to directly support the procurement of priority military capabilities.
The International Fund for Ukraine is administered by the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence. It uses international partners’ contributions to procure priority military equipment for Ukraine and ensure the continued supply of military support – lethal and non-lethal –through 2024 and beyond.
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.
“Almost two years on from Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion, Australia continues to stand with Ukraine and our international partners in providing meaningful support to enable Ukraine end this war on its own terms," said Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
“This contribution to the International Fund for Ukraine will help Ukraine procure the equipment it needs as a priority, delivering real-time effects on the battlefield.”
In addition to Australia’s materiel and financial support, the Australian Defence Force continues to make an important contribution to multinational efforts in support of Ukraine under Operation Kudu. Australian personnel continue to train Ukrainian soldiers as part of an extended and expanded mission 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 remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine to defend itself against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion," said 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.”