Acting PM Richard Marles will visit Darwin to meet with Ukraine trainers

The acting Prime Minister will be in Darwin on Thursday for a significant Defence announcement. Read what he’s announcing.

Acting Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles will be in the Territory on Thursday to announce plans to increase Australia’s commitment to Ukraine.

Mr Marles will travel to Robertson Barracks in Palmerston to welcome home the latest rotation of 70 ADF personnel from the United Kingdom as part of Operation Kudu, Australia’s contribution to the UK-led multinational mission to train Ukranian recruits.

Mr Marles said the announcement confirmed the Albanese government’s determination to deliver on its commitment to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Over the next 12 months, the number of deployed ADF members will increase to 90 personnel per rotation.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles. Picture: Kym Smith

Expanded duties will include a junior leadership training program focusing on areas including foundation warfighting skills such as urban and trench warfare, combat first aid, explosive hazard awareness and marksmanship.

Mr Marles said Australia had so far committed $910m to assist Ukraine including $730m in direct military assistance including provision of 120 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles, deployment of the E-7A Wedgetail to Europe, 14 special operations vehicles and de-mining equipment to remove explosive ordinance littering the battlefield,” he said.

“Our ADF personnel are providing critical skills to Ukrainian recruits as part of Operation Kudu to support Ukraine to defend against Russia’s ongoing invasion.

“We are proud to expand Australia’s support for Operation Kudu, a mission that cements international solidarity for Ukraine.

“Our growing commitment to the multinational training mission affirms our pledge to provide meaningful and relevant support to the government and people of Ukraine.”

More than 30,000 Ukranians have trained to become soldiers since June 2022 as part of the UK-led training program.

Participating countries include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Noway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Romania.

Mr Marles said Australia would not enter Ukraine territory to prosecute its war in any capacity.

Prime Minister Albanese is on leave until Friday, December 15.