Total amount of assistance provided by Australia exceeds USD 1 billion
On 18 December, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong. The parties discussed support and cooperation in the military sphere, as well as Ukraine’s priority defence needs.
“Australia is the largest donor of military assistance to Ukraine outside of NATO. The total amount of assistance provided is more than USD 1 billion, of which USD 880 million is military assistance,” the Head of Ukrainian Government noted.
The meeting also focused on economic cooperation and financial support for Ukraine. Denys Shmyhal thanked Australia for transferring EUR 50 million to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
“This will open a EUR 250 million credit line for Ukraine, which will help restore and strengthen our resilience,” the Prime Minister said, calling on Australian businesses to join the reconstruction of the country.
Denys Shmyhal also emphasised the importance of supporting the energy sector. In turn, Penny Wong announced Australia’s contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund in the amount of USD 6.39 million.
During the conversation, Denys Shmyhal stressed the significance of tightening sanctions against russia and acknowledged the Australian Government’s decision to join the initiative to combat russia’s “shadow fleet”.
“Despite the considerable distance, we feel the strong and significant support that Australia has been providing to Ukraine since the beginning of russia’s illegal aggressive war,” the Prime Minister stressed.