Lviv: Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, during his visit to the city of Lviv, unveiled a significant military aid initiative for Ukraine, amounting to $100 million. The aid package encompasses a range of essential resources, including short-range air defense systems and drones, along with air-to-ground precision munitions.
In a press briefing held alongside Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Marles emphasized Australia’s commitment to bolstering the Ukrainian armed forces with substantial support in the coming months. “Today we are announcing the next package of support for Ukraine totaling 100 million dollars,” Marles stated. “50 million of that is dedicated to short-range air defense systems. 30 million, as the Prime Minister said, to the purchase of drones as part of Australia being a part of the drone coalition being led by the United Kingdom and Latvia.”
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He further reiterated Australia’s steadfast resolve, asserting, “We understand that this will be an enduring conflict and we will be contributing more in the future because we are determined to stand side by side with Ukraine for as long as it takes for Ukraine to prevail.”
This announcement comes in the wake of Australia’s recent decision to bolster defense spending by A$50.3 billion ($32 billion) over the next decade, with a strategic shift towards enhancing capabilities in missiles, drones, and warships. This move reflects Australia’s proactive stance amidst rising tensions, particularly in the Pacific region, amid concerns over potential conflicts involving China and the United States.
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In a simultaneous development, Russia has escalated tensions by dispatching additional troops to the eastern town of Ocheretyne, aiming to reinforce its offensive. Despite this maneuver, Ukrainian forces, largely in control of the village, anticipate support from the United States, particularly through arms deliveries, to maintain their advantage in the ongoing conflict.
Russian armed forces have steadily advanced towards the eastern front, gaining ground in several villages following the seizure of the strategic town of Avdiivka in February. While skirmishes erupted in Ocheretyne, Ukrainian military spokesman Nazar Voloshyn affirmed that the situation remained under control, with Ukrainian forces maintaining dominance over two-thirds of the village.
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Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, amidst mounting Russian pressure, called for additional air defense systems to be deployed to Kyiv. Addressing a virtual meeting convened by the United States to discuss support for Ukraine, Zelensky underscored the urgent need to counter Russian aerial threats. “This year, Russian jets (have) already used more than 9,000 guided aerial bombs against Ukraine,” Zelensky stated, emphasizing the critical importance of air defense capabilities to safeguard Ukrainian positions and borders.
Expressing determination despite the challenges, Zelensky affirmed, “While we were waiting for a decision on the American support, the Russian army managed to seize the initiative on the battlefield.” He remained optimistic about Ukraine’s prospects, asserting, “We can still now, not only stabilize the front but also move forward achieving our Ukrainian goals in the war.”
