Australia sends $95 million to Ukraine for military equipment in fight against Russia

Australia will give Ukraine another $95 million of military equipment including drones, defence radars and munitions to help its fight against Russia.

The latest contribution includes $50 million going into the NATO-led Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List, as foreshadowed by The Nightly last week.

This fund effectively gives Ukraine money to buy what it needs in terms of critical military equipment and munitions, rather than Australia directly donating it.

New Zealand will also put money into the fund, further knitting the two countries’ ties to NATO as the first non-members to contribute.

“We are proud to be contributing to PURL, standing in solidarity with our partners — in NATO and the Indo-Pacific — to see a just and lasting peace for Ukraine,” Defence Minister Richard Marles said.

“Australia is unwavering in its support for Ukraine. These commitments will make a tangible difference in Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.”

Australia is giving $2 million to the Drone Capability Coalition to equip Ukraine with advanced drone technology.

It will also send $43 million of ADF equipment to the battlefront, including tactical air defence radars, munitions and combat engineering equipment.

A final tranche of gifted Abrams tanks are also expected to be delivered in coming weeks.

It puts the cost of Australia’s support for Ukraine at $1.7 billion since the Russian invasion.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said Australia was proud to be able to meet Ukraine’s direct requests for further assistance.

“It’s a testament to our steadfast support for the right of the courageous people of Ukraine to live in peace and to determine their own future,” he said.

“Our Government will continue to support them alongside the Australian people until we see a just and lasting peace.”

Along with the military support, Australia is imposing sanctions on 45 so-called shadow fleet vessels — ships that use flags of convenience to help Russia’s efforts and circumvent international sanctions.

US President Donald Trump’s personal envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner this week held talks in Moscow on a possible peace deal but are yet to reach a compromise.

Ukrainian officials have also been in Florida for separate talks working towards a deal.