Australia is providing significant additional military assistance and emergency humanitarian support to Ukraine with the intention of helping Ukrainians in the brutal invasion caused by Russia.
In a media statement released by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Australia declares that it stands in solidarity with friends and partners in supporting Ukraine and condemning Russia for its unprovoked and unjustified attack.
Australia is sending around $70 million in lethal military assistance to support the defence of Ukraine. The assistance is said to include missiles and weapons.
A range of non-lethal military equipment and medical supplies will also be provided to the country in response to a specific request from the Ukrainian Government.
“Our contributions will complement actions taken by partners such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the European Union and other European nations – each of which we welcome,” the Prime Minister said in the statement.
“We will work with and through our closest partners and allies to supplement the already substantial support from the international community.”
Australia will also commit immediate humanitarian assistance of an initial $35 million to meet the urgent needs of the Ukrainian people by delivering lifesaving services and supplies such as shelter, food, medical care and water.
The country’s lethal and non-lethal military assistance, along with humanitarian funding, are in addition to the significant sanctions already imposed on Russia.
Minister of Home Affairs Karen Andrews also revealed that the country is now processing refugee visa applications for Ukrainians. The exact number of people to be accepted into the country is yet to be decided.
With the situation seriously deteriorating after Russia’s invasion, current reports have indicated that at least 160,000 people have been displaced inside Ukraine and around half a million people have fled to neighbouring countries.
The number of displaced Ukrainians will rise sharply as the security situation deteriorates further.
“The cost of Russia’s aggression is being borne by innocent Ukrainians. This is a challenge the international community will meet, and Australia stands ready to provide further humanitarian assistance to support the people of Ukraine, including those fleeing to neighbouring countries,” the Prime Minister said.
“Russia’s actions are a gross violation of international law and the UN Charter. There is no justification for these actions in Ukraine which are illegal, unjustified and unprovoked.”
Source: Prime Minister of Australia Media Statement