Ukraine thanks Australia for sending troops to UK to train Ukrainian soldiers
Ukraine has thanked Australia for a major new aid package that includes sending troops to the United Kingdom to train Ukrainian soldiers.
The Australian Defence Force will send 70 personnel to the UK from next January in what's been described as a multinational training effort.
The latest support, billed at $90 million by Ukraine's Embassy in Australia, would also include 30 more of the Bushmaster armoured vehicles Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly praised.
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Ukraine has thanked Australia for a major new aid package that includes 30 more Bushmaster armoured vehicles. Ukraine's Embassy in Australia
The UK based Operation INTEFLEX aims to train about 10,000 Ukrainian troops every 120 days and been running since July. Australian military trainers will join those from New Zealand, Canada and the Netherlands.
Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he was grateful to Australia for the increased support.
"These armoured vehicles have shown excellent results on the battlefield and we requested more of them," he said, on Twitter.
"We will always remember Australia's support!"
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The UK launched Operation Interflex earlier this year, saying it had the potential to train up to 10,000 soldiers every four months.
There was no information immediately available about what the Aussie troops roles in the training program would be but they would not be entering Ukraine.
"Australia has been unequivocal in its bipartisan support for Ukraine and its condemnation of President Putin," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, in a statement published by multiple outlets
"We will continue to stand up for freedom and democracy."
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Ukrainian volunteer military recruits take part in an urban battle exercise whilst being trained by the British army at a military base in southern England. AP
"This is not just about Ukraine's sovereignty; the brave people of Ukraine are defending international law, rules and norms."
Ukraine's ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko told the Sydney Morning Herald every dollar and Bushmaster was appreciated.
"Bushmasters have performed really well on the battlefield and this extra support will make a significant contribution to the liberation of more Ukrainian territory from the invading Russian forces," he said.
Ukraine's embassy also publicly welcomed the new commitment on social media.
"These additional support measures bring Australia's total support for Ukraine to $655m, including $475m in military assistance," the embassy said.
"Thank you, Australia!"
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