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Australia promises record military aid for Ukraine as NATO calls out China as an ‘enabler’ of Russia’s invasion.
The Australian government is set to give Ukraine another $250 million in military support — its largest contribution to the war effort since Russia invaded.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the package on the final day of the NATO summit in Washington DC.
The event, which has been taking place against a backdrop of turbulence in American politics, has been largely focused on bolstering support for Ukraine.
But Australia and other non-member partners from Asia-Pacific nations have sent delegations to strengthen ties with the alliance amid fears about Chinese aggression in the region.
The Australian military package includes guided and air defence missiles, anti-tank weapons, ammunition, and a shipment of boots.
The government says it brings the value of Australia’s overall support to $1.3 billion, including $1.1 billion for Ukraine’s military. “This will not be the last package that we announce,” Mr Marles said.
The Australian Defence Force has already been training Ukrainian army recruits under Operation Kudu in the UK. It will now also sign on as an “operational partner” to a new NATO command for Ukraine, and a group of Australian personnel who are already stationed in Europe will transfer across to the 700-person training and security initiative.
Meanwhile Trump is still unable to grasp how NATO works as he calls the allies “to pay their bills.”
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