Australia Announces $95 Million Support Package for Ukraine, Imposes New Sanctions on Russia
CANBERRA – Australia will provide a $95 million funding boost to Ukraine through the International Fund for Ukraine (PURL), alongside a new package of sanctions targeting russian oil revenue, officials announced today. The support demonstrates AustraliaS continued solidarity with Ukraine, NATO partners, and those in the Indo-Pacific region as they work towards a “just and lasting peace,” according to a government statement.
The $95 million contribution to PURL is along with $43 million worth of Australian Defence Force equipment, including tactical air defence radars and munitions. A further $2 million will be allocated to the Drone Capability Coalition, focused on supplying Ukraine with advanced drone technology.
Australia is also continuing its role in training Ukrainian forces in the United Kingdom under Operation Kudu, and recently deployed an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to help secure humanitarian and military supply routes into ukraine. The final delivery of Australia’s fleet of 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks is expected in the coming weeks.
Alongside the military aid, Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced fresh sanctions targeting 45 Russian ships, designed to “starve Russia’s oil revenues and limit its ability to finance its invasion.” Wong noted that direct Australian imports of Russian energy products have fallen from $80 million before the invasion to zero consequently of previous sanctions. This latest wave of maritime-focused sanctions brings the total number imposed on Russia to nearly 1,700.
The government is currently considering a request to send retiring Tiger attack helicopters to Kyiv, following disappointment over the decision to dismantle and bury Australia’s grounded MRH-90 Taipan helicopter fleet after a fatal crash during a training exercise in July 2023.