Key Takeaways
- Australia will provide an additional $95 million in military assistance to Ukraine, bringing the total defence support to $1.7 billion since the start of the conflict.
- The funding boost includes a contribution to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a NATO-coordinated mechanism that streamlines the delivery of military assistance to Kyiv.
- Australia and New Zealand will become the first non-NATO countries to contribute to PURL.
- The support package includes $43 million worth of Australian Defence Force equipment and $2 million for the Drone Capability Coalition.
- Australia will also impose fresh sanctions on 45 Russian ships believed to be part of Moscow’s "shadow fleet".
Introduction to Australia’s Military Assistance
Australia has announced an additional $95 million in military assistance to Ukraine, marking the country’s first significant increase in defence support in over a year. This funding boost brings Australia’s total defence support to $1.7 billion since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The announcement demonstrates Australia’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and highlights the country’s role in the international community’s efforts to provide military assistance to Kyiv.
The Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL)
The new package includes a contribution to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a NATO-coordinated mechanism that streamlines the delivery of military assistance to Kyiv. Australia and New Zealand will become the first non-NATO countries to contribute to PURL, demonstrating their commitment to supporting Ukraine and their cooperation with NATO. This contribution is significant, as it shows that Australia is willing to work with international partners to provide targeted support to Ukraine’s military. Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that the additional funding could have a tangible impact on Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities and that Australia is proud to be contributing to PURL.
Australia’s Support Package
The support package includes $43 million worth of Australian Defence Force equipment, such as tactical air defence radars and munitions, as well as a further $2 million for the Drone Capability Coalition. The Drone Capability Coalition focuses on supplying Ukraine with advanced drone technology, which has been crucial in the country’s defence against Russian forces. The announcement also builds on Australia’s ongoing role in training Ukrainian forces in the United Kingdom under Operation Kudu and the recent deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to help secure humanitarian and military supply routes into Ukraine.
Sanctions on Russian Ships
In addition to the military assistance, Australia will also impose fresh sanctions on 45 Russian ships believed to be part of Moscow’s "shadow fleet". Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the latest sanctions are designed to complement those imposed by key partners, including the United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand, and the European Union. The sanctions aim to "starve Russia’s oil revenues and limit its ability to finance its invasion". The measures represent Australia’s third major wave of maritime-focused sanctions since the war began, bringing the total number imposed on Russia to nearly 1,700.
Australia’s Ongoing Role in Ukraine
The announcement comes as the government considers a request to send retiring Tiger attack helicopters to Kyiv, a year after Australia’s Ukrainian community was left disappointed over the ADF’s decision to dismantle and bury its grounded MRH-90 Taipan helicopter fleet. The Taipans were taken out of service after a crash during a training exercise in July 2023 that killed four soldiers. The final tranche of Australia’s fleet of 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks is also expected to be delivered to Ukraine in the coming weeks. Australia’s ongoing role in Ukraine demonstrates the country’s commitment to supporting the international community’s efforts to provide military assistance to Kyiv and to holding Russia accountable for its actions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Australia’s announcement of additional military assistance to Ukraine and the imposition of fresh sanctions on Russian ships demonstrates the country’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and the international community’s efforts to provide military assistance to Kyiv. The funding boost and contribution to PURL show that Australia is willing to work with international partners to provide targeted support to Ukraine’s military. The sanctions on Russian ships aim to limit Russia’s ability to finance its invasion and demonstrate Australia’s commitment to holding Russia accountable for its actions. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Australia’s ongoing role in providing military assistance and imposing sanctions will be crucial in supporting the international community’s efforts to bring an end to the war.