Russian envoy says Australia has cut Ukraine aid

Australia has significantly reduced its financial support to Ukraine over the past 18 months, but continues military cooperation with Kyiv, according to Russia’s ambassador to Canberra.

In an interview with RIA Novosti, Russian Ambassador Mikhail Petrakov said that “over the past year and a half, the flow of donations has decreased significantly,” referring to Australian assistance to Ukraine.

Petrakov also claimed that since December 2025, the Australian government has not announced any new aid packages for Ukraine. However, he added that cooperation between the two countries continues, including exchanges of military expertise.

Despite the alleged reduction in funding, the ambassador said Australia remains involved in training Ukrainian personnel and broader defence coordination efforts.

He further stated that since 2022, Australia has spent approximately $1.2 billion on military assistance for Ukraine. According to Petrakov, this support has included the provision of armoured vehicles, assistance in deploying E-7A Wedgetail reconnaissance aircraft in Europe, and participation in training Ukrainian armed forces in the United Kingdom under Operation Kudu.

By Sabina Mammadli