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Australia to deploy troops to train Ukrainian forces — authorities

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles stressed that "no ADF personnel will enter Ukraine as part of the program"

SYDNEY, January 18. /TASS/. Australia will deploy 70 troops to train Ukrainian forces, the country’s Defense Minister Richard Marles said in a statement.

"Australian soldiers will depart Darwin this week to join partner nations in the United Kingdom, providing critical training to Ukrainian recruits," the statement reads. "A contingent of up to 70 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel will deploy as part of ADF Operation KUDU to assist with the UK-led and based training program," Marles added.

According to him, the training "will focus on basic infantry tactics for urban and wooded environments."

Marles also pointed out that "no ADF personnel will enter Ukraine as part of the program."

"To date, Australia has provided Ukraine with approximately $655 million in support, including $475 million in military assistance," the statement added. Canberra earlier provided Kiev with 90 Bushmaster armored vehicles, six M777 howitzers and 28 M113 armored vehicles, as well as anti-tank and other weapons.

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