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Ukraine welcomes Australian military aid

Vasyl Myroshnychenko says more weapons will be needed to withstand the Russian challenge.

Vasyl Myroshnychenko says more weapons will be needed to withstand the Russian challenge. Photo: AAP

Ukraine has welcomed an extra 30 Bushmasters being donated to its war effort against Russia.

Canberra is also sending up to 70 defence force trainers to the United Kingdom in its latest effort to prop up Kyiv.

The personnel will be deployed to the UK in January to join a British-led operation to train Ukrainian troops.

No Australian defence personnel will enter Ukraine.

Australian troops joining Operation INTERFLEX will help prepare their Ukrainian counterparts to continue the fight.

Ukraine’s ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko welcomed the aid, saying the Bushmasters have “helped us liberate swathes of land”.

“On the training side, it’s great news,” he told AAP.

“That will contribute to creating personal connections and serve as a good foundation, on a human-to-human level, to advance our bonds in the future.”

Defence Minister Richard Marles said training the underskilled Ukrainian troops was a vital thing for the nation to be a part of.

“What we’re seeing in Ukraine now is really a reservist force, so that’s everyday Ukrainians signing up to be servicemen and women in the defence forces,” he told the Nine Network.

“It’s a UK-led initiative … they’re delighted we will be participating in this, and this is going to provide basic infantry training. Our personnel will be on the ground in the UK in January.”

Mr Marles said supporting Ukraine was in Australia’s national interest because repercussions would have an effect on the whole world.

“We can’t allow a situation where a large country can impose itself on a near neighbour not by reference to the rule of law, but by reference to power and might,” he said.

“This is developing into a long-term, protracted conflict and so we’ve been very mindful that we need to have support there for Ukraine over the long term, and this next tranche of support reflects that.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia would continue to stand up for freedom and democracy.

“This is not just about Ukraine’s sovereignty – the brave people of Ukraine are defending international law, rules and norms,” he said.

The new measures bring the value of Australia’s total support for Ukraine to $655 million, including $475 million in military aid.

Australia has donated 90 armoured vehicles.

The additional costs will come from the defence department, after Tuesday’s federal budget revealed the government will provide more than $210 million to Ukraine over five years.

– AAP

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