14:58 18.12.2024

Ukraine requests additional military assistance from Australia, incl Bushmaster – Sybiha

2 min read
Ukraine requests additional military assistance from Australia, incl Bushmaster – Sybiha

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has asked Australia for additional military support, including Australian Bushmaster armored vehicles and other weapons.

“The situation on the battlefield remains very difficult. The need to strengthen our soldiers remains very urgent, so today I made a request for additional military support, including the famous Australian Bushmaster and other weapons,” Sybiha said at a joint press conference with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong in Kyiv.

Sybiha also proposed to take into account the needs of Ukraine when decommissioning military equipment in service with the Australian Defense Forces.

The head of the Ukrainian diplomatic department expressed deep gratitude to Australia for the military assistance provided, in particular the recent provision of 49 Abrams tanks and 14 boats. He said Australia's total aid amounted to more than $1 billion, of which $880 million was military aid.

Australian Foreign Minister Wong promised to submit Ukraine's request for consideration.

"I have heard a request from colleagues for additional assistance, and of course I will forward this request to the Australian government for consideration," the minister added.

The minister listed the transferred military assistance to Ukraine, in particular, recalling Bushmaster. Last year, the country's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted that the total number provided to the Armed Forces of Ukraine was 120 units.

"We have transferred 49 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. And on July 11 of this year, we also announced $250 million in military support, which includes air defense missiles, anti-tank weapons, ammunition and a batch of boots. And we are participating in the NATO initiative to train the Ukrainian military," she said.

In addition, Australia announced $30 million for drones for Ukraine and $50 million for strengthening air defense.

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