SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia’s authorities mentioned on Saturday it had delivered M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as a part of a A$245 million ($160 million) bundle to assist the nation defend itself in opposition to Russia of their ongoing battle.
Australia, one of many largest non-NATO contributors to Ukraine, has been supplying support, ammunition and defence gear since Moscow invaded its neighbour in February 2022.
Ukraine has taken possession of many of the 49 tanks given by Australia, and the remaining will likely be delivered in coming months, mentioned Defence Minister Richard Marles.
“The M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a big contribution to Ukraine’s ongoing combat in opposition to Russia’s unlawful and immoral invasion,” Marles mentioned in an announcement.
The tanks fashioned a part of the A$1.5 billion ($980 million) that Canberra has supplied Ukraine within the battle, the federal government mentioned.
Australia has additionally banned exports of alumina and aluminium ores, together with bauxite, to Russia, and has sanctioned about 1,000 Russian people and entities.
Australia’s centre-left Labor authorities this 12 months labelled Russia because the aggressor within the battle and referred to as for the battle to be resolved on Kyiv’s phrases.
($1 = 1.5366 Australian {dollars})
(Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney)
