Friday 24 February 2023

Australia pledges drone system for Ukraine, announces additional sanctions on those complicit in Russia's invasion.

Extract from ABC News

Ukraine's defence forces will be given access to Australian drone systems, as the federal government unveils a raft of new sanctions against people connected to Russia's ongoing invasion of the country.

The latest pledge comes on the first anniversary of Russian President Vladimir Putin's military offensive, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and left millions of people displaced.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly urged Western allies to send more military aid to his country, warning last week: "There is no alternative to speed because it's speed that life depends on."

The federal government will commit "uncrewed aerial systems" to Ukraine's defence, in a package worth $33 million.

Marles, in a suit, stands with a group of uniformed soldiers, talking.
Defence Minister Richard Marles says the Ukrainian people "have shown immense bravery and determination".(ABC News: Michelle Rimmer)

"This support will provide a battlefield intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they continue to fight against the unwarranted aggression of Russia," Defence Minister Richard Marles said in a statement.

"The Ukrainian people have shown immense bravery and determination in defending their homeland against Russia's illegal invasion, and Australia will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes."

Australia has so far committed military assistance worth more than half a billion dollars, including 90 Bushmaster armoured vehicles, artillery and ammunition.

A Bushmaster sporting Ukrainian flags stands in front of a Globemaster airplane on the tarmac
Australia has sent Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles to Ukraine.(Department of Defence: LACW Emma Schwenke)

Last month, Australia joined forces with the French government to manufacture ammunition for the Ukrainian resistance, with Australian gunpowder and French casings being used to make artillery shells.

The first group of 200 Ukrainian defence force recruits are due to graduate from training in the United Kingdom on Friday, with an international contingent including 70 Australian personnel training the soldiers over the past few weeks.

"Historically, during World War I, World War II, Australia has always been demonstrating greater strength than its size or status would dictate," Ukraine's ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, told the ABC's 7:30.

"And I think now is a unique opportunity for Australia to have its greatness shine bright again. It's an opportunity to help defend democracy.

"What is important in military aid is that it's systematic, it's substantive, and it's consistent.

"It also must be goal orientated. If the goal for last year was to defend Ukraine, this year it's for us to win for the world's sake."

A man wearing glasses, standing in front of a desk
Vasyl Myroshnychenko says the war is an opportunity for Australia to help defend democracy.(AAP: Dan Himbrechts)

The ambassador said more aid would be needed.

"It's important for our government, the Ukrainian government, working with other governments including Australia, on a plan for the next 12 months," Mr Myroshnychenko said.

"So, what assistance is coming, what are the men and women in the trenches, what can they expect to get?"

Financial sanctions and travel bans have also been issued on another 90 people and 40 entities the federal government argued are complicit in Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

There are now more than 1,000 people and entities targeted by sanctions as a result of the war.

"Australia is imposing additional sanctions, targeting those in the Russian Government who are helping prolong this war, those financing this war, and those spreading mistruths to justify this war," Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement.

"Australia's sanctions regime against Russia is our largest. This reflects our support for the people of Ukraine and for the fundamental norms of sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Wong, right, looks at Marles, left, who is speaking. They stand in a field wearing heaving jackets.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong talk to media at a military base in southern England.(ABC News: Michelle Rimmer)

Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden made a surprise trip to Kyiv, confirming the United States' ongoing support for Ukraine's resistance.

"It was crucial, it was extremely important, it was very well received in Ukraine but also globally," Mr Myroshnychenko said.

"President Joe Biden … travelled to Kyiv and he made a very good point — that democracy and freedom is what is worth fighting for."

Mr Biden looks towards Mr Zelenskyy as the pair walk.
Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy talk during the US president's visit to Kyiv.(AP: Ukrainian Presidential Press Office)

Mr Myroshnychenko argued Russia and the world had, when the war began one year ago, underestimated the resolve of the Ukrainian people but now knew the full force of the Ukrainian spirit.

"It's an existential war for us," he said.

"If we don't fight, it's the end of Ukraine."

Mr Myroshnychenko is due to address the National Press Club in Canberra on Friday.

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