Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday imposed an immediate ban on aluminum exports to Russia, while also announcing additional military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
“It is clear that Ukraine’s need for military assistance remains urgent and ongoing,” Morrison’s office announced in a statement.
military aid: The package includes $15.3 million in defensive military assistance for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, bringing Australia’s total military assistance so far to $66.3 million, the statement said.
Morrison said assistance will include ammunition and bulletproof vests.
Humanitarian help: The Australian government has said it will also provide $21.8 million in emergency humanitarian assistance, which will focus on “protecting women, children, the elderly and the disabled”.
Export ban: Australia also announced an immediate ban on Australian exports of alumina and aluminum ores (including bauxite) to Russia, which “will limit its ability to produce aluminum — a critical export to Russia”.
According to the Australian government, Russia depends on Australia for almost 20% of its aluminum needs.
“This significant step demonstrates the Morrison government’s absolute commitment to holding the Putin regime accountable for the blatant manner in which it is violating international law and the law of armed conflict, invading its neighbor without justification and targeting innocent civilians,” the statement said.
coal donations: Australia will donate “at least 70,000 tonnes of thermal coal” to Ukraine following a request from Kiev, the government said.
“The assistance will help keep the country’s coal-fired power generators operating and supplying electricity to the country’s power grid, supporting the Ukrainian people by keeping lights on, homes warm and factories running at this very difficult time,” the statement added.
sanctions: Australia has so far imposed 476 sanctions on 443 individuals, including Russian oligarchs with close connections to President Vladimir Putin, and 33 entities, including the Russian Ministry of Finance.
Source: CNN Brasil
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