Anthony Albanese is the first Australian Prime Minister to visit war-torn Ukraine
Anthony Albanese has made history, becoming the first Australian Prime Minister to visit war-torn Ukraine.
Only months into the top job, the new Prime Minister traveled to three destroyed cities surrounding the capital of Kyiv and met with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
Albanese visited the city of Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel, which were the first victims of Russia’s war.
Irpin has a population of approximately 70,000, Bucha 37,000, and Hostomel about 17, 000.
Russia chose to attack each of the towns, early in the war with many suggesting this was a tactic to encircle the capital.
Thousands of civilians have lost their lives in these regions since the war began in February.
Albanese was surrounded by heavy security during his visit, with the Prime Minister witnessing first-hand the ‘devastating’ atrocities carried out by Russia.
Although Russia has continued to deny the attacks, Albanese says they’re “a war crime”.
“Clearly, civilian areas have been targeted by the Russian forces as part of this illegal and amoral war.
It’s devastating. These are homes and these are livelihoods and indeed lives that have been lost here in this town. And the fact that you had such a significant force – you can see the use of tanks, missiles, heavy artillery being used in a civilian area – it’s just devastating.”
anthony albanese
During a briefing with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, the new Prime Minister says Australia will provide $100 million in military and technical might.
The package will include 14 armoured personnel carriers, 20 more Bushmaster vehicles, and drones.
Albanese also confirmed Australia will move to ban Russian gold imports.
He confirmed his country will support Ukraine for “as long as it takes” to win the war.
So far, Australia has given Ukraine $285 million in military aid and $65 million in humanitarian relief.
“We understand that the defence of Ukraine is about defending the rules-based international order and the implications for its disruption would have ramifications throughout the world.
Because you are fighting for the international rule of law, you are fighting for international rules in which we conduct our activity to be respected and to occur in an orderly way.”
anthony albanese
Zelensky welcomed Albanese’s visit and show of support and compassion.
“I am grateful for [Australia’s] decision to join the process. It is important for us, it is important for the whole world.”
Volodymyr zelensky
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