The Australian Government will provide Ukraine with A $ 70 million (US $ 50 million) to purchase military equipment and weapons in an effort to fend off the ongoing Russian invasion.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison will make a presentation following the Commissar of State Security meeting and will see it sent to NATO, where it will be decided how the funds will be distributed.
An additional $ 35 million in humanitarian aid will be provided to provide shelter, food and medical care.
“The overwhelming majority ($ 70 million) will fall into the deadly category,” the Prime Minister told reporters on March 1.
“We are talking about missiles, ammunition. We are talking about helping them protect their homeland in Ukraine.”
Morrison did not go into the details of what kind of deadly military aid was provided and how it was provided.
“I’m not going to get the Russian government to pay attention to their way, but I can assure them that it’s on your way,” he said.
“We respond to a call from President (Ukraine) Zelensky. He said,” Don’t give me a vehicle, give me ammunition, “and that’s exactly what the Australian Government does. I agree with that.
Morrison welcomed the efforts of fellow nations to sanction Russia, but warned that President Vladimir Putin could intensify the attack.
“It is also likely to lead to a more violent reaction from Russia,” he said. “I don’t think anyone who thinks the Kremlin just intends to sit there understands Putin’s intentions and exorbitant purposes.”
Currently, the government processes about 100 visa applications from Ukrainians every day.
In solidarity, the Australian Parliament and later the Sydney Opera House will be lit up in the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
Meanwhile, Morrison warned ordinary Australians about traveling to Ukraine to fight Russian troops.
“The legal position of those who try to do it is very unclear … those who try to do it will find themselves behind a very violent attack,” he said.
It is after the President of Ukraine has signed a decree that temporarily lifts visa entry requirements for foreigners who want to participate in the defense of Eastern European countries.
Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian representatives have been unsuccessful, and Russian troops are approaching Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
The battle continues nationwide.
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Daniel Y. Teng is based in Sydney. He focuses on national politics, including federal politics, COVID-19 response, and relations between Australia and China. Do you have a hint? Contact him at [email protected]