Australia Supports Ukraine, Sends $70 Million Worth Lethal Weapons to Fight Russia's Invasion

SYDNEY: As the Russia-Ukrainian crisis entered its 6th day, Australia has confirmed to send $70 million worth of defensive supplies to Ukraine, in which the vast majority of is lethal aid including missiles and bullets to help fend off Russia's invasion.

According to reports, $35million will be sent to provide shelter, food and water for hundreds of thousands of women and children who have become refugees after fleeing the warzone.

Speaking after a meeting of the national security committee on Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed Australia will provide nearly $70 million in "both lethal and non-lethal defensive aid" to Ukraine.

"I don't plan on giving the Russian government a heads up about what is coming their way, but I can assure them, it is coming your way," he said.

The Prime Minister said the bulk of the money will go towards lethal supplies, including missiles and ammunition, as part of a NATO -coordinated support package.

"Earlier, President Zelensky said 'Don't give me a ride, give me ammunition'. That's exactly what the Australian government has agreed to do," he told reporters in Canberra while interacting with a presser.

Talks between Ukraine and Russia are due to begin near the Belarus border, with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying the next 24 hours are "crucial".

Russian forces have pressed into Ukraine from the north, east and south since the start of the invasion that was launched last week.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has laid out certain conditions on Monday to stop his invasion of Ukraine. He laid out the conditions after Moscow and Kyiv held their first talks since the outbreak of war last Thursday, which shocked the world and provoked a massive diplomatic, economic, cultural and sporting backlash.

Also Read: Putin Lays Out conditions For Ending Ukraine Invasion

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