Australia Deepens Military Backing for Ukraine With $95 Million Package

The Australian government is set to provide a $95 million (US$62.1 million) military assistance package to Ukraine, bringing Australia’s total spend since the beginning of the Ukraine-Russia conflict to more than $1.7 billion.

Of the donation, $50 million will be spent on the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a NATO initiative to supply military equipment to Ukraine.

Another $43 million will come in the form of Australian Defence Force (ADF) gear, including tactical air defence radars, munitions, and combat engineering equipment.

A final $2 million will aid Ukraine’s Drone Capability Coalition.

Australia will also impose sanctions on another 45 Russian-linked vessels, bringing the total number to 200.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the sanctions were intended to starve Russia’s war revenue.

“Australia’s sanctions complement those of key partners, including the United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand, and the European Union, as part of a coordinated effort to starve Russia’s oil revenues and limit its ability to finance its invasion,” she said.

“As a result of actions we have taken, direct Australian imports of Russian energy products have fallen from $80 million before Russia’s invasion to zero.”

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles said Australia was “unwavering” in its support for Ukraine.

“These commitments will make a tangible difference in Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion,” he said.

“We are proud to be contributing to PURL, standing in solidarity with our partners—in NATO and the Indo-Pacific–to see a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.”

Australia, New Zealand ‘Working Together’

New Zealand has also announced its own funding package for Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters said $15 million would be allocated to a NATO and U.S. initiative to supply Ukraine with weapons and military equipment.

“The defence of Ukraine has significant implications not only for the security of Europe, but also for the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

“This is why New Zealand and Australia have today announced significant contributions to PURL.

“We are working together to support Ukraine as we navigate an increasingly challenging strategic environment.”

Ukraine Acknowledges Donation

Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko took to X to thank Australia for its contribution.

“On behalf of the President of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, as well as the people of Australia, for standing firmly with Ukraine,” he said.

“This is a true demonstration of Aussie mateship. We will never forget your support.”