Australia is deepening its support for Ukraine by deploying up to 100 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel alongside a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Europe under Operation Kudu. Announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles during the NATO Leaders’ Summit in The Hague, the deployment aims to help protect a vital international gateway for humanitarian and military assistance into Ukraine. The aircraft and personnel are expected to be deployed from August until November 2025.
This move complements Australia’s overall support to Ukraine, which has exceeded $1.5 billion since the start of Russia’s invasion in early 2023. The deployment is at the request of NATO and Poland and reflects Canberra’s commitment to holding Russia accountable for its illegal aggression.
In addition to this military support, Australia has imposed new sanctions targeting Russian individuals and entities to further weaken Russia’s war economy. The sanctions include financial restrictions and travel bans on 37 individuals and seven entities.
Australia has also been actively involved in training Ukrainian combat troops through a British-led program in the United Kingdom, with plans to increase the number of Australian trainers in 2026. While Australian soldiers do not enter Ukraine, their training efforts have helped prepare over 1,200 Ukrainian volunteers for frontline duties.
Overall, Australia remains one of the largest non-NATO contributors to Ukraine’s defense, providing armored vehicles, missiles, artillery ammunition, and extensive financial aid, underscoring its strong international solidarity with Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
