Australia and New Zealand are set to become the first non-NATO countries to contribute funds to buy critical military equipment for Ukraine as part of a new $95 million package.
The Albanese government will on Thursday announce the extra support, which incudes a $50 million contribution to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List.
The alliance is co-ordinating the purchase of defence equipment from the US by other NATO allies.
Australian Defence Force supplies and weapons worth $43 million will also be donated, including tactical air defence radars, munitions and combat engineering equipment.
An extra $2 million will be provided to help Ukraine with advanced drone technologies.
It brings Australia’s total support to more than $1.7 billion since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
In the coming weeks, the final group of 49 gifted M1A1 Abrams tanks will be delivered.
Labor has also slapped sanctions on a further 45 “shadow fleet” ships that help Russia circumvent penalties imposed by Australia and other countries.
Australia has imposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on more than 1180 people and 293 entities.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko said his nation valued the support of the Australian people and government.
“I am extremely grateful for this meaningful contribution in these dire times for Ukraine,” he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow, as the White House pursues a deal to end the war.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia was unwavering in its support for Ukraine.
“These commitments will make a tangible difference in Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion,” he said.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said due to the government’s actions, direct Australian imports of Russian energy products had fallen from $80 million to zero.
“Australia’s sanctions complement those of key partners … as part of a co-ordinated effort to starve Russia’s oil revenues and limit its ability to finance its invasion,” she said.
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