MEDIA RELEASE
24 Feb 2023
Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister,
Minister for Foreign Affairs
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.”
https://www.pm.gov.au/media/australia-stands-ukraine-additional-military-support-and-sanctions
No comments:
Post a Comment