Australia To Donate Additional 30 Bushmasters to Ukraine

Australia will send another 30 Bushmasters to Ukraine, bringing the number of the donation of armoured vehicles to 120.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the decision on Wednesday after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.

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“I’ve met with President Zelenskiy and confirmed Australia’s support for the people of Ukraine in their struggle to uphold their national sovereignty, to uphold the international rule of law,” Mr Albanese said.

He said the bushmasters symbolised Australia’s support for Ukraine, and the additional contribution of 30 vehicles would bolster Ukraine’s capabilities.

“They are valued very much by Ukrainian defence personnel and have saved their lives,” he said.

The Bushmasters are built in Bendigo and deployed in Ukraine to move troops in and out of frontline areas.

“We are providing sustainable and meaningful support to Ukraine, including through our humanitarian assistance and through our diplomacy,” he added.

Mr Zelenskiy expressed his gratitude after the meeting.

“Thank you! A Powerful new defence package, including 30 Bushmasters,” he wrote on the Telegram app. 

Australia has supported a total of $890 million to Ukraine since the beginning of the war. 

Although Ukraine has expressed its desire to join NATO, the admission process into the alliance is not anticipated to happen soon. 

“The Ukrainian delegation is bringing home a significant security victory for Ukraine, for our country, for our people, for our children,” Mr Zelenskiy said while flanked by U.S. President Joe Biden.

Nato leaders have reached an agreement on providing long-term support, strengthening political connections, and continuing collaboration with Ukraine until the war ends.

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