The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles, MP, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, today visited Australian soldiers providing critical training to Ukrainian recruits in the United Kingdom (UK).
The ministers visited the UK-led and based multinational training mission with their UK counterparts, Foreign Secretary the Rt Hon James Cleverly MP and Defence Secretary the Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP.
A contingent of up to 70 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel deployed to the UK in January as part of ADF Operation KUDU to assist with the training program.
Operation KUDU demonstrates Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine in response to Russia’s illegal invasion.
The multinational training program will help generate additional capacity within the Ukrainian Armed Forces to support Ukraine’s self-defence. No ADF personnel will enter Ukraine as part of the program.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
“Today, I was privileged to visit the Australian soldiers who have deployed to the United Kingdom to take part in the multinational effort to help train Ukrainian recruits.”
“Australia, the UK and our international partners will continue to stand with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion – and we saw that first-hand here today, as our soldiers worked shoulder-to-shoulder to help bolster the capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.”
“In this uncertain and complex world it is essential that Australia continues to work with the UK and other partners in support of the rules-based order.”
“The Australian Government is committed to standing with Ukraine in response to Russia’s clear violation of the rules-based order.”
