Ukrainian President expresses gratitude to Australia for donating 49 tanks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the people of Australia for donating over $170 million (US$115 million) worth of “essential defence assistance” during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Zelenskyy’s gratitude comes as the Australian government confirmed its donation of 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.

These tanks were acquired in 2007 but have not seen active combat. They are soon to be replaced by a newer fleet of 75 M1A2 Abrams battle tanks.

The acquisition of the newer tanks was approved by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, with a cost of $3.5 billion.

“We appreciate our partnership with Australia and its significant contribution to promoting just and enduring peace in Ukraine, restoring stability in Europe, and upholding the rules-based international order,” Zelenskyy stated on X, previously known as Twitter.

“Australia continues to be a dependable ally in safeguarding freedom, democracy, human life, and global security.”

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As per the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the tanks being gifted to Ukraine come equipped with cannons and machine guns with a strong range in all weather conditions.

Nevertheless, these tanks are deemed to be old, and Ukraine has the option to have them repaired before delivery or utilize them immediately for spare parts.

Some of the tanks will remain in Australia during the transition to the newer model.

Since Ukrainian soldiers have received training in operating these tanks due to previous donations from the United States.

“This contribution will be immensely valuable and put to use in various defensive lines and operations,” Ukrainian ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko stated.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy highlighted on ABC Radio National that Australia will continue to support Ukraine throughout the conflict.

“We are honored to be the largest non-NATO provider of military aid,” he mentioned.

Defence Strategy Lacking

In June, former ADF Major General Adam Findlay told The Epoch Times that the ADF’s current development plans would leave it ill-equipped to deal with the unpredictable nature of conflicts.

In April, the ADF released its National Defence Strategy, aimed at preparing for survival in a more uncertain world. It involved a $50 billion expenditure over 10 years, in addition to the $270 billion allocated to defence by the Morrison government in 2020.

However, Australia’s current strategy primarily focuses on long-range lethal retaliation in the event of an attack on Australian territory.

Experts have raised concerns that Australia has concentrated too much on land conflict and lacked sufficient training in regions like the Indo-Pacific, where a confrontation with Beijing could occur.

Findlay, now a professor at Griffith University, noted that Australia’s defence has been hindered by insufficient funding, with most of the extra funds only becoming available from 2028-29.

The former major general added that the current strategy had essentially relinquished land combat capability.

“Engagement in land combat is necessary to achieve victory. When Australian soldiers are on the ground with the enemy defeated, that is true victory,” he emphasized.