The Russian government has accused Kyiv of dragging Australia into the Russian-Ukrainian war after the Ukrainian government allegedly used drones made in Australia to attack Russian territories.
“Australian drones are actually used to strike targets in Russia,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in an online post, adding that Australia is being drawn into the conflict.
Ms. Zakharova also accused the Australian government of “enthusiastically contributing to the anti-Russian campaign directed from Washington” while trying to hide from public opinion “the unenviable circumstances indicating that Australia is increasingly being drawn into the conflict in Ukraine.”
Australia Drones Used in Kursk Airport Attack
The allegations and comments by the Russian Foreign Affairs spokesperson follow the use of Australian cardboard drones to attack Russia’s Kursk airport, which is a critical launching point for attacks on Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko.
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In a social media post on X (formerly known as Twitter) Mr. Myroshnychenko said the airport was a legitimate target for Ukraine’s armed forces.
Cardboard drones from Australia used in attack on Russian airfield.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko said the Kursk airfield was a “legitimate target” for Ukraine’s armed forces.
“In response to requests, Australia is providing more Uncrewed Aerial Systems to the Ukrainian Government; this support will provide a battlefield intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they continue to fight against the unwarranted aggression of Russia,” he said.
However, it appears they may have been repurposed as attack capabilities.
Australia is one of the biggest providers of military aid to the Ukrainian government outside of NATO countries, committing to date $890 million (US$566 million). This has included over $710 million in military aid, which covered $33 million for Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), 120 Bushmaster vehicles, 56 M113 armoured vehicles, 28 M40 trucks, M777 Howitzers and anti-armour weapons, and a range of personal equipment.
Australia has also provided 105-millimetre light-artillery ammunition and 155-millimetre artillery ammunition jointly with France and deployed a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft for approximately six months, including the deployment of up to 100 crew and support personnel.
