This was highlighted by Ukraine's Minister of Defense, Rustem Umyerov, following the Shangri-La Dialogue conference. The event is a key security forum in the Asia-Pacific region and was attended by a Ukrainian delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Key Points:
- Meeting with Australian Defense Minister: Umyerov had a productive meeting with Richard Marles, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.
- Acknowledgment of Support: Umyerov expressed gratitude for the substantial assistance provided by Australia since the onset of Russia's large-scale invasion.
- Effectiveness of Bushmasters: The Bushmaster armored vehicles have proven to be highly effective on the battlefield, aiding Ukrainian soldiers in combat tasks and saving lives.
- Discussion of Ukraine's Needs: The defense ministers discussed Ukraine's critical requirements to counter Russian aggression and explored opportunities for enhancing defense industry cooperation.
- Development of Bilateral Relations: Umyerov emphasized the significant potential for the development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Australia, underscoring ongoing efforts to strengthen these ties.
Additionally, Umyerov mentioned that Japan has provided Ukraine with over $7 billion in aid since February 2022, which includes humanitarian assistance and non-lethal military equipment. This support is crucial for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russian aggression.
