Following the Prime Minister of Australia’s announcement that Australia will provide defensive military assistance to Ukraine, a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III departed RAAF Base Richmond for Europe on 2 March 2022, carrying critical military equipment and medical supplies.
CAPTION: Royal Australian Air Force personnel from No. 22 Squadron load pallets of military assistance bound for Ukraine onto a C-17A Globemaster III at RAAF Base Richmond, New South Wales. Photo by Corporal Kylie Gibson.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said yesterday that Australia would provide significant additional military assistance and emergency humanitarian support to help the people of Ukraine following the brutal invasion by Russia.
“Australia stands in solidarity with our friends and partners in supporting Ukraine and condemning Russia utterly for its unprovoked and unjustified attack on its neighbour,” Prime Minister Morrison said.
“Australia will provide around $70 million in lethal military assistance to support the defence of Ukraine, including missiles and weapons.
“We will also provide a range of non-lethal military equipment and medical supplies 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.
“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 help meet the urgent needs of the Ukrainian people.
“This assistance will deliver lifesaving services and supplies, including the provision of shelter, food, medical care and water.
“Our lethal and non-lethal military assistance, along with our humanitarian funding, are in addition to the significant sanctions we have already imposed on Russia.
“With the situation now seriously deteriorating after Russia’s invasion, current indications are that at least 160,000 people have been displaced inside Ukraine and around half a million people have fled to neighbouring countries.
“Numbers of displaced people 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.
“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.”
.
