Australia to review help to embattled Ukraine as Russia advances

Australia will review its military help to Ukrainian troops combating Russian invaders as Ukraine warns it’s in “mortal danger”.

Exclusive: Australia will look to do more than “clean out the garage” of old military hardware to support Ukraine as analysts warn Russian troops are closing in on a devastating victory.

Ukraine will return to the parliamentary agenda early next year with the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence (defence subcommittee) to run an inquiry into aid for Ukraine.

Defence subcommittee chair Julian Hill said the Israeli war on Hamas in Gaza risked “strategic distraction” of Ukraine’s struggle to prevent being toppled by Russia and there could be room to do more.

Ukrainian trainees perform a section attack during a field phase of Operation Kudu which will now see 90 ADF trainers deployed to the UK. Picture: Defence

“Australia has provided nearly $1 billion support with military equipment and capability and training to Ukraine, there remains a strong bipartisan consensus of the importance of opposing Russia’s illegal invasion which goes against international law and Australia’s national interests,” Mr Hill said.

“The inquiry is a good chance to take stock on what’s been done and what else we could do in partnership with like-minded countries across the world.

“The committee will be interested to explore all of our international partnerships and develop a nuanced understanding of what else can be done. It’s not just a matter of cleaning out all the spare stuff in the garage, to be most effective we need to work thoughtfully with other countries to support Ukraine’s struggle against Russia’s illegal invasion.”

Australian Army soldiers deployed on Operation Kudu provide weapon training to recruits from the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the United Kingdom. Picture: Defence

Defence is expected to provide evidence, particularly on Operation Kudu which is the Australian Defence Force’s program to train Ukraine Army recruits in the UK and now also includes an RAAF E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft operating out of Germany for the next six months.

On Wednesday Defence Minister Richard Marles revealed the 70 ADF that rotate through Kudu had trained 1200 Ukrainian recruits. He said the “highly successful” program would continue in 2024 and expand to 90 ADF personnel per rotation.

An Australian Army soldier deployed to the United Kingdom on Operation KUDU supervises the training of Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel.

The inquiry is also likely to discuss deployment of Bushmasters, artillery and possible gifting of M1A1 tanks Australia has but don’t use as they are earmarked for replacement.

In October, the government provided another $20 million worth of de-mining equipment, 3D metal printers and counter drone systems manufactured locally by DroneShield.

Member for Bruce, Victoria, Julian Hill at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“The horrific situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories there is consensus we’d all dearly hope for a cessation of hostilities in the Middle East,” Mr Hill said.

“There is no doubt that one of the flow-on consequences is the risk of strategic distraction given the ongoing importance of opposing Russia’s illegal invasion and also maintaining focus on military balance and deterrence in our own Indo Pacific region.”

NATO analysts have become more concerned Ukraine’s counter offensive has not taken hold despite the armaments the coalition has provided.

Such is the situation, Olena Zelenska, the wife of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, went public to appeal for more military aid and financial support declaring her nation was in “mortal danger”, particularly in light of the Republicans block President Joe Biden’s bid for a US$110 billion ($A167 billion) aid package.

Originally published as Australia to review help to embattled Ukraine as Russia advances