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Australian troops will deploy to the UK to train Ukrainian forces, helping bolster the eastern European nation's defences against Vladimir Putin's brutal invasion.
- A contingent of up to 70 ADF personnel will deploy to the United Kingdom
- The personnel will join a multi-national training effort
- Australia will also send Ukraine an additional 30 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles
A contingent of up to 70 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel will join the British led multinational training effort known as Operation INTEFLEX just after Christmas, but will not enter Ukraine.
The commitment is part of a second package of support announced by the Albanese government, which includes an additional 30 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles.
"Australia has been unequivocal in its bipartisan support for Ukraine and its condemnation of President Putin," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
"We will continue to stand up for freedom and democracy," he added.
"This is a not just about Ukraine's sovereignty; the brave people of Ukraine are defending international law, rules and norms."
The government won't specify precise dates for the ADF deployment citing "operational security", but is expecting the personnel to arrive in the UK sometime in January.
"Our soldiers will be part of a large training program in the United Kingdom to help prepare their Ukrainian mates for their struggle against Russia's unwarranted and unlawful aggression," Defence Minister Richard Marles said.
"Since their arrival, the Bushmasters have been used extensively by the Ukrainian Armed Forces with more requested by the Ukrainian President, Minister for Defence, and the Ambassador," Mr Marles added.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba later thanked Australia for the support in a tweet.
This week's federal budget earmarked more than $200 million for additional help for Ukraine, including $185.6 million of Defence assistance delivered from within existing resources.
Australia's total financial support for Ukraine now tops $655 million, including $475 million on military assistance for the war-torn nation.
The 30 additional Bushmasters will bring the total number of the protected mobility vehicles sent to Ukraine to 90.
As well as Bushmasters, Australia has donated six M777 towed howitzers and ammunition, 28 M113 armoured vehicles as well as anti-armour weapons and other weapons.