Australian soldiers will depart Darwin to help train Ukrainian troops as Kyiv continues to repel Russia’s invasion, which began a year ago.
Up to 70 Australian personnel will join partner nations in Britain to help boost the infantry tactics and military skills of Ukrainians.
No Australian troops will enter Ukraine.
The United Kingdom-led program is aiming to train up to 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year.
Deputy Prime Minister and defence minister Richard Marles said Australia continues to stand with the embattled nation after Russia’s “clear violation of the rules-based order”.
“Operation KUDU builds on Australia’s military support for Ukraine, with the previously gifted Australian-produced Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles proving their worth as highly valuable military vehicles,” he said….