Australia is a country that is far removed from Ukraine, despite this, after the start of the full-scale russian invasion, it did not stand aside and began to help our country actively. It is not only about weapons, but also about energy and humanitarian support that helps the people of Ukraine resist the brutal invasion of russia. The Australian government condemns the actions of the russian authorities and has imposed sanctions against russia. Hundreds of russian citizens and companies are already subject to restrictions.

Total support for Ukraine from Australia amounts to $960 million, including $780 million for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In 2024, the Australian government intends to provide Ukraine with another $170 million in military support, which includes air defense missiles, air-to-ground weapons, including guided weapons, anti-tank weapons, ammunition for artillery, mortars, cannons and small arms and a batch of shoes for the AFU. This package of military aid will be the largest from the country since the beginning of the full-scale russian invasion.

Australia has also decided to join the list of sponsoring countries of the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. The government announced a grant contribution of about $13.7 million. Funds will be used to purchase the necessary equipment for the restoration of energy facilities damaged by russian attacks.

At the same time, the Australian Government will provide additional support in the amount of $11 million in additional humanitarian support and $10.3 million for equipment, including helmets, inflatable boats, gas masks and power generators.

Australia has allocated $32.4 million to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities through the International Fund for Ukraine. The fund is managed by the UK Ministry of Defense. The contributions will be used to purchase priority military equipment. A large batch of RBS man-portable air defense systems worth tens of millions of dollars will also be sent to Ukraine.

The Australian government, with support from the local defense industry provided another package of military assistance to Ukraine worth more than $12.7 million, including demining equipment, portable X-ray machines, a 3D metal printer, and anti-drone systems. In addition, Australia sent its E-7A Wedgetail reconnaissance aircraft to Germany to support multinational efforts to protect humanitarian and military aid supplies coming into Ukraine.

The country has joined the Drone Coalition for Ukraine, led by the United Kingdom and Latvia. The Australian government provided Ukraine with drones worth $20.6 million as part of the coalition. At the same time the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive modern Sentinel 830R RHIB boats from Australia, which can perform tasks in rivers and at sea.

In addition to material and financial support, the Australian Defense Force continues to train the Ukrainian military as part of Operation KUDU. Australia will also join the new NATO Security and Training Initiative for Ukraine as an operational partner. This is in addition to the training of Ukrainian recruits provided by the Australian Defence Force in the United Kingdom as part of KUDU. 

The development of mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation also remains an important priority for two countries. The analysis of export and import operations of Dnipropetrovsk region with Australia demonstrates a high level of partnership, as this country is an important trade partner of the region.

According to the results of 2023, the volume of goods exported from Dnipropetrovsk region amounted to $1.69 million. The share of Dnipropetrovsk region in exports of Ukraine to Australia is 9.6%. Goods that are in demand among Australian consumers are ferrous metals and products made of them, ships, optical, photographic, and finished textile products, etc.

Export operations were carried out by 9 companies from Dnipropetrovsk region. The main exporting companies are metallurgical, machine-building and processing enterprises.

TOP-5 exporters (ranked by volume of exported products):

Imports of goods from Australia to Dnipropetrovsk region amounted to $60.7 million (76.4% of the total Ukrainian figure). The region traditionally bought oil and oil products, pharmaceuticals, machinery and equipment, etc.

Import operations were carried out by 22 importers.

TOP-5 importers (ranked by volume of imported products):

Imports were mainly carried out by pharmaceutical, metallurgical, machine-building and processing companies.

Source: information for the article was taken from open online sources