Australia donates $32.4 million to International Fund for Ukraine
Australia has contributed $32.4 million in aid to the International Fund for Ukraine — an initiative managed by the UK Ministry of Defense to procure priority military equipment for Ukraine.
The donation will be used to strengthen the country's defense capabilities, Rubryka reports, citing Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ukrainian President Zelensky.
"Australia remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine to defend itself against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion," said the Australian PM. "We stand with Ukraine in support of its courageous people and also in defense of a fundamental principle — the right of every sovereign nation to be secure in its own borders and to determine its own future."
Today's contribution will take Australia's overall support to Ukraine to approximately $960 million, including $780 million in assistance for Ukraine's Armed Forces.
President Zelensky responded to this decision, expressing gratitude to the partner country, particularly Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
"Australia demonstrates its commitment to defending freedom, life, and international order, just as all free nations on all continents should," he said. "Our countries are geographically distant, but shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law bind us together. We will never forget Australia and its support."
I am grateful to Australia and Prime Minister @AlboMP for contributing $32.4 million to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities through the International Fund for Ukraine, which is administered by the UK Ministry of Defence.
Australia demonstrates its commitment to defending…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 15, 2024
In related news, Australia decided to dismantle and dispose of decommissioned Taipan helicopters instead of sending them to Ukraine.
About Australia's military assistance
Since the beginning of Russian aggression, Australia has provided Ukraine with:
- 20,000 rounds of ammunition,
- 70 M113AS4 armored personnel carriers,
- 20 Bushmaster light armored vehicles,
- 14 Switchblade attack drones,
- 30,000 Javelin anti-tank missiles, and more.
As Rubryka reported, Australian company SPEE3D has already sent seven WarpSPEE3D metal 3D printers to rapidly produce critical spare parts for various military equipment.
Australia has also trained Ukrainian defenders under the British INTERFLEX program, where the Ukrainian military learned the standards of the British Armed Forces.
Australia has provided Ukraine with cardboard drones, which deliver ammunition to the front lines and conduct reconnaissance.
Australia has transferred approximately a hundred Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) worth up to $80 million to Ukraine.
