Australia announces new aid packages for Ukraine's reconstruction and energy sector
Photo: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Australia is providing new aid packages to Ukraine. The funds will be used to rebuild and support Ukraine's energy sector, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong says at a joint press conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister.
She says Australia will transfer $66 million to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to help Ukraine access approximately $400 million in additional loans over the next 10 years. This will help with reconstruction, she adds.
Australia will also contribute $6.39 million to the Energy Support Fund for Ukraine.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong arrived in Ukraine on a working visit. She visited the Russian-damaged Trypillia thermal power plant in the Kyiv region.
Wong met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. She says that the Australian Embassy is resuming its work in Ukraine.
Sybiha, in turn, said that he had sent a request to Australia for additional military assistance. This includes Bushmaster armored vehicles, which the Ukrainian Armed Forces have already received, and other weapons.
He also notes that Ukraine requests that its needs be taken into account when writing off military equipment in service with the Australian army.
