“I am pleased to have met President Zelenskyy again today and to inform him of Australia’s decision to gift 30 additional Bushmasters to Ukraine,” Albanese said.
“Australia remains steadfast in its commitment to support Ukraine.
“We are proud to provide additional Bushmaster vehicles to assist the brave men and women fighting for their home and their nation’s sovereignty.
“Russia unilaterally launched this illegal and immoral invasion and should withdraw its troops and end the conflict immediately.”
Bushmasters have been frequently used by Ukrainian forces, a fact highlighted by Foreign Minister Penny Wong as the embattled nation continues its counteroffensive.
“Australian Bushmasters have been used extensively by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and our additional contribution of 30 vehicles will bolster Ukraine’s capabilities,” she said.
“We are providing sustainable and meaningful support to Ukraine, including through our humanitarian assistance and through our diplomacy.
“Russia’s attack on Ukraine is an attack on us all. It is an assertion that a larger country is entitled to subjugate a smaller neighbour.
“We again call on Russia to cease its illegal, immoral war on Ukraine.”
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Zelenskyy thanked Albanese for the support package, which brings Australia’s total support to Ukraine since the start of the war up to $890 million.
“It’s unprecedented and absurd when a time frame is set neither for the invitation nor for Ukraine’s membership,” Zelenskyy tweeted on Tuesday night.
“While at the same time, vague wording about ‘conditions’ is added even for inviting Ukraine. It seems there is no readiness to invite Ukraine to NATO or to make it a member of the alliance.
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“This means that a window of opportunity is being left to bargain Ukraine’s membership in NATO in negotiations with Russia. And for Russia, this means motivation to continue its terror.
“Uncertainty is weakness. And I will openly discuss this at the summit.”
Under Article 5 of the NATO charter, members are obligated to defend each other from attack, which could swiftly draw the US and other nations into direct fighting with Russia if Ukraine was admitted while the Kremlin’s invasion was ongoing.
– Reported with Associated Press
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