Australia sending howitzers to Ukraine

Australia will give Ukraine heavy artillery weapons and ammunition as Russia steps up its offensive in the Donbas, according to a statement from government officials. The $26.7 million worth of military assistance will see Ukraine provided with six M777 lightweight towed howitzers along with ammunition. It takes Australia’s military assistance contribution to Ukraine to $225 million, with a further $65 million provided in humanitarian aid along with more than 70,000 tonnes of thermal coal. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Defence Minister Peter Dutton said in a statement the equipment offers further support to combat Russia’s “brutal, unrelenting and illegal invasion”. “The Australian government will continue to identify opportunities for further military assistance where it is able to provide a required capability to the Ukraine Armed Forces expeditiously,” Morrison said. “The Australian government reiterates our strongest support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for the people of Ukraine. Australia stands with the people of Ukraine, and again calls on Russia to cease its unprovoked, unjust and illegal invasion of Ukraine.” The additional support had been requested by the United States and Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko. The Australian government says it will continue to look at opportunities for additional military assistance where it can be provided expeditiously. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]