Today marks one year since Russia launched its illegal and immoral full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
We mourn the incalculable losses that Ukraine has endured.
We honour the unwavering resolve and strength of the Ukrainian people as they stand up to Russia’s continued aggression.
We are proud to stand with Ukraine as it defends its people, its territory, and its sovereignty.
Today, on this most sombre occasion, the Australian Government is announcing additional military assistance to Ukraine and further costs on Russia, including additional sanctions.
The Australian Government will provide additional Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) to Ukraine. These systems provide a battlefield intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability for the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they continue to fight.
Additionally, today in the United Kingdom the first rotation of around 200 Ukrainian recruits will graduate from military training supported by Australian Defence Force personnel as part of Operation Kudu, Australia’s contribution to a UK-led multi-national training program.
The Australian Government has imposed further targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 90 persons, and targeted financial sanctions on 40 entities. The new sanctions targets include Russian ministers with responsibilities spanning energy, natural resources, industry, education, labour, migration and health.
We are imposing sanctions on persons and entities engaging in activities of economic and strategic significance to Russia or that threaten the territorial integrity or sovereignty of Ukraine. This includes new listings of those perpetuating the Kremlin’s mistruths to shore up support for President Putin and key players in Russia’s defence industry:
- Kalashnikov Concern, one of Russia’s largest arms manufacturers
- Submarine developer Admiralty Shipyards
- Aviation company Tupolev
- Missile designer Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau,
- Infantry fighting vehicle producer Kurganmashzavod.
Australia has now imposed more than 1,000 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Overnight, Australia also joined 140 other member states to support a resolution calling for a just peace in Ukraine at an Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
We again call on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory and end this war.
Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“This is a most sombre occasion for the people of Ukraine. One year on from Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and unlawful full-scale invasion, the costs of Russia’s aggression are incalculable.”
“In the face of Russia’s aggression, the Ukrainian people—led so resolutely by President Zelenskyy—have displayed extraordinary strength and courage. We continue to stand with Ukraine.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:
“In response to requests, Australia is providing more Uncrewed Aerial Systems to the Ukrainian Government; this support will provide a battlefield intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they continue to fight against the unwarranted aggression of Russia.”
“This announcement coincides with the first graduation of Australian-trained Ukrainian soldiers as part of a UK-led multinational training effort to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They leave with skills and knowledge that will save lives when they take up the fight against Russia.”
Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:
“Australia is imposing additional sanctions, targeting those in the Russian Government who are helping prolong this war, those financing this war, and those spreading mistruths to justify this war.
“Australia’s sanctions regime against Russia is our largest. This reflects our support for the people of Ukraine and for the fundamental norms of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”