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Posted On

25
January
2022

Australia not to send troops to Ukraine, ready to aid in cybersecurity – FM

KYIV. Jan 25 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The security situation in Ukraine remains unpredictable, but Australia will not provide military assistance, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne has said.

“We said we won’t participate – we won’t participate in regards to military aid,” Payne told ABC Radio, released by the Australian Foreign Office on January 25.

At the same time, she stressed Australia’s readiness to assist Ukraine in ensuring cybersecurity and countering new possible attacks.

“In the cyber context, there has been a significant cyber-attack already on Ukraine understood to come from potentially Russian sources – and to be very clear, this is a challenge that they have been dealing with for some time. Australia is currently focused on providing assistance to help Ukraine fend off cyber attacks,” the minister said.

Payne also said that Australia and its allies in the international arena have a very clear and powerful message for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“We has called Russia for a de-escalation of tensions but has said it is not considering sending troops or military assets in the event of a conflict. Instead, Australia is currently focused on providing assistance to help Ukraine fend off cyber attacks,” she said.

The minister also said the issue of expanding sanctions is under consideration. In particular, it was discussed with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defense of Great Britain last week.

“Australia and like-minded countries could use to convey our very strong concerns about such aggressive behaviour,” Payne said.

“We call on Russia to take steps to de-escalate the situation,” the minister said.