THE Albanese government will be sending 30 more highly coveted bushmasters armored personnel carriers to Ukraine in support of the nation’s defense against Russia’s illegal invasion.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced he was pleased to gift 30 additional bushmasters to Ukraine following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit in Lithuania.
Albanese said bushmasters are highly valued by Ukrainian defense personnel and have saved their lives.
The military vehicles are built in Bendigo and have been used in Ukraine to move troops in and out of frontline areas and have also been deployed as ambulances and command, patrol, and support vehicles.
The prime minister said this latest donation was worth about $100 million and would mean Australia was now committed to providing 120 of the troop carriers after Australia’s previous donation of 90 bushmasters to Ukraine.
Australia has provided more than $710-M in military aid, with overall support reaching a total of $890-M.
Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the latest announcement showed Australia’s firm stance in supporting Ukraine in the face of a Russian invasion.
