Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Kyiv on Sunday, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
During the meeting, PM Albanese reiterated Australia’s support for the brave people of Ukraine and the incredible defence of their homeland.
PM Albanese said, “My visit to Kyiv and recent visits by other world leaders send a clear message that democratic nations like Australia will stand side-by-side with the Ukrainian people in their time of need.”
“I sincerely thank President Zelenskyy, the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Australian Defence Force for ensuring the safety of my visit.”
Mr Albanese also saw first-hand some of the devastation caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“Russia’s brutal invasion is a gross violation of international law. I saw first-hand the devastation and trauma it has inflicted on the people of Ukraine.”
Following President Zelenskyy’s request for further support, Australia has announced providing a new package of assistance to Ukraine:
- A$99.5 million in military assistance, including 14 armoured personnel carriers, 20 Bushmaster-protected mobility vehicles and other military equipment supplied by Australia’s defence industry, and a contribution to NATO’s Ukraine Comprehensive Assistance Package Trust Fund.
- A$8.7 million (US$6 million) to assist Ukraine’s Border Guard Service to upgrade border management equipment, improving cyber security and enhance border operations in the field.
- Duty-free access for Ukrainian imports to Australia, complementing similar trade measures taken by our partners, including the UK and the EU.
- Australia will intervene at the International Court of Justice in support of Ukraine in its case against Russia.
- Targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 16 additional Russian ministers and oligarchs.
- Australia will prohibit imports of Russian gold to reduce Russia’s ability to fund its war, joining with partners, including Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Australia is the largest non-NATO contributor to Ukraine in the defence of their homeland. This brings Australia’s total military assistance to Ukraine to approximately A$388 million.
Mr Albanese highlighted the importance of democracy and an elected government that can work cohesively with fellow countrymen in a time of crisis.
“President Zelenskyy’s leadership has rallied the Ukrainian people to defend their country and inspired the world to support humanity and freedom. The road ahead is hard but I am confident Ukraine will prevail,” He further added.