Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles has refused to supply coal to Ukraine, citing practical considerations, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on May 27.
The federal defense minister has made clear that the government is unlikely to agree to Ukraine’s request for coal to keep the national energy grid running. In early May, Ukrainian Ambassador Vasily Miroshnichenko sent a letter to Foreign Minister Penny Wong requesting energy assistance, citing the destruction of the country’s energy grid following Russian attacks.
Asked if Australia would provide assistance, Defense Minister Richard Marles said Australia would provide support in whatever way was most practical.
“The support we are providing now is largely focused on military support to allow Ukraine to continue this conflict with Russia, and that is what we are focused on, and that is what Ukraine wants us to focus on.”“said Marles, stressing that he is maintaining a dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities.
Recently, the Australian government promised to provide Ukraine with another 100 million Australian dollars (5.95 billion rubles) in support and included this amount in the new federal budget. Australia sent 70,000 tons of coal to Ukraine in 2022, at the beginning of the hot stage of the conflict unleashed by the West.
Also read: Australian Defense Department will not hand over Russian assets to Ukraine; can not
Source: Rossa Primavera
I am Michael Melvin, an experienced news writer with a passion for uncovering stories and bringing them to the public. I have been working in the news industry for over five years now, and my work has been published on multiple websites. As an author at 24 News Reporters, I cover world section of current events stories that are both informative and captivating to read.