Anthony Albanese pledges $110 million more to Ukraine to fight Russia after Wagner’s uprising

Anthony Albanese’s government has unveiled a $110 million package to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian invasion – in the wake of the brief Wagner group uprising.

Albanese announced the aid package on Monday at a press conference in Canberra alongside Foreign Secretary Penny Wong and Defense Secretary Richard Marles.

Ukraine will receive another 70 military vehicles, including 28 M113 armored tanks, 14 special operations, 28 trucks and 14 semi-trailers, Albaniase announced.

Artillery ammunition will also be delivered, along with $10 million to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

This money will help Ukrainian citizens affected by the invasion by providing shelter, clean water, health care and sanitation.

Mr Albanese said he is ready to ‘continue dialogue with Ukraine and the president’ [Volodymyr] Zelensky as long as it takes.”

Spectators clapped and cheered ‘Wagner’ as troops were told by their leaders to move out of Rostov

“This latest aid package shows that Ukraine can count on Australia,” he said. We support international efforts to ensure that Putin’s aggression fails and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity prevail.

“Australia is unwavering in our determination to condemn and counter Russia’s actions and to help Ukraine achieve victory.”

In total, Australia’s contribution to Ukraine’s efforts to resist the Russian invasion now exceeds $790 million.

The announcement comes after a brief uprising in Russia over the weekend, where the troops of Wagner mercenary group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin moved into Russia itself from their camps in Ukraine on Friday.

They took over a regional military command in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don before advancing on Moscow.

The bizarre revolt unfolded with dizzying speed, but the group of mercenaries marched on the capital was canceled just as suddenly on Saturday.

Russian state media reported that Wagner troops would return to Ukraine, while Prigozhin would be exiled to Belarus.

Crowds lined the streets and cheered as the private military company withdrew its troops from Rostov

People gathered to say goodbye to Prigozhin, with one man even reaching through his car window to shake hands with the exiled Wagner leader

Mr Albanese said the conflict had no bearing on his decision to raise funding or make his announcement today.

“We have been working on this proposal to bring her to the cabinet this morning,” Albanese said.

“The events clearly took place over the weekend, but they are being worked on. You will see that there have been announcements about every four months.”

Foreign Secretary Penny Wong said the internal conflict showed “the division in Russia” and questions “the decision to illegally and immorally invade Ukraine.” I would say again, if I may, to all Australians staying there that our advice is to leave.”

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) argue that the “short-term resolution” of an apparent truce with the Wagner Group is likely to “substantially harm” Putin’s government and war effort. inability’ to quickly repel internal threats.

More than 50 countries worldwide have provided financial aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion.

The Kremlin is facing a “deeply unstable” situation after Wagner’s uprising has “exposed the weakness of the regime,” analysts warn. Russian President Vladimir Putin was pictured giving a televised speech on Saturday