Australia to send drones to Ukraine, impose new sanctions on Russia

23.02.2023 18:29

Ukrinform

On the first anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Australian government has announced a new package of military aid to Ukraine and introduced fresh sanctions against Russia.

That's according to The Guardian, Ukrinform reports.

The AUD 33 million package will include drones. According to Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, the uncrewed aerial systems 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."

The package also envisages travel bans and asset freezes for a further 90 Russian individuals and 40 Russian entities.

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the additional sanctions were "targeting those in the Russian government who are helping prolong this war, those financing this war, and those spreading mistruths to justify this war."

The new restrictive measures will target Russian ministers, the military, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, and the propaganda media outlet Sputnik.

Australia has already imposed sanctions on more than 1,000 individuals or organizations seen as complicit in Russia's aggression. This donation brings the total Australian military assistance to Ukraine to AUD 510 million, including 90 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles.