Key PointsAustralia will handover Ukraine with a $31 million power and humanitarian support bundle.It follows pleas from the Ukrainian govt for an pressing cargo of coal.Overseas Minister Penny Wong stated Australia’s aid for Ukraine used to be “unwavering”.
Overseas Minister Penny Wong has introduced a $31 million power and humanitarian support bundle for Ukraine.
She made the announcement on Friday upcoming as Russia bombards Ukraine’s energy crops with missile and drone moves.
In lieu of offering coal, Australia will upload $20 million to the Ukraine Power Aid Capitaltreasury to handover warmth and electrical energy for Ukrainians, amid issues the struggle may just proceed into the Ecu iciness.
The Albanese govt has been criticised upcoming a decision for support through Ukraine went unanswered for 6 months.
Wong stated Australia’s aid for Ukraine used to be “unwavering”.
“Australians want comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine and we continue to stand with Ukraine and their struggle to end this war on their own terms,” she instructed newshounds in Adelaide on Friday.
“We remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. We remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and will continue to consistently condemn Russia’s invasion as an abrogation and attack on the UN Charter.”
Opposition overseas affairs spokesperson Simon Birmingham stated Australia’s responsiveness to Ukraine’s requests will have to be fast, now not “drawn out and delayed”.
“Ukraine’s request for coal gathered dust in Australia through one long, cold winter and the Albanese government needs to explain how this funds transfer is preferable to giving the actual coal that Ukraine asked for,” he stated.
Wong stated the recommendation to her used to be that the power capitaltreasury used to be “a more efficient and effective” option to support Ukraine.
“This enables Ukraine to make its own decisions about where it best applies this funding including in the energy network which has been … substantially damaged by Russia,” she stated.
An spare $10 million will even exit to the United Countries Place of job for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to extend Ukrainians’ get admission to to necessities akin to meals, H2O, and safe haven.
To support rehabilitate and maintain nation with disabilities and struggle accidents, an spare $1 million will likely be supplied to the United Countries Partnership at the Rights of Individuals with Disabilities.
The residue investment brings Australia’s general monetary backup for Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022 to over $1 billion, together with $880 million in .
With spare reporting through the Australian Related Press