Ukraine Dragging Australia Into Conflict With Russia, Says Russian Government

A view shows at the site of a residential area hit by a Russian drone and missile strikes strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv region, Ukraine, on Aug. 30, 2023. Head of the National Police of Kyiv region Andrii Nebytov via Telegram/Handout via Reuters

The Russian government has accused Kyiv of dragging Australia into the Russian-Ukrainian war after the Ukrainian government allegedly used drones made in Australia to attack Russian territories.

“Australian drones are actually used to strike targets in Russia,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in an online post, adding that Australia is being drawn into the conflict.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Nov. 27, 2020 Moscow, Russia.

Ms. Zakharova also accused the Australian government of “enthusiastically contributing to the anti-Russian campaign directed from Washington” while trying to hide from public opinion “the unenviable circumstances indicating that Australia is increasingly being drawn into the conflict in Ukraine.”

Australia Drones Used in Kursk Airport Attack

The allegations and comments by the Russian Foreign Affairs spokesperson follow the use of Australian cardboard drones to attack Russia’s Kursk airport, which is a critical launching point for attacks on Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko.

In a social media post on X (formerly known as Twitter) Mr. Myroshnychenko said the airport was a legitimate target for Ukraine’s armed forces.

“Russia uses that airport to launch military operations and send missiles into Ukraine,” he said.

Cardboard drones from Australia used in attack on Russian airfield.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko said the Kursk airfield was a “legitimate target” for Ukraine’s armed forces.

The drones are produced by the Australian company SYPAQ and are made from waxed cardboard and rubber. They have been exported to Ukraine in flat packs as part of a $33 million donation of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to Ukraine announced by the federal government in February. The drones can carry up to a five-kilogram load.

The UAS systems were said to be for reconnaissance aid on the battlefield for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in February.

“In response to requests, Australia is providing more Uncrewed Aerial Systems to the Ukrainian Government; this support will provide a battlefield intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they continue to fight against the unwarranted aggression of Russia,” he said.

However, it appears they may have been repurposed as attack capabilities.

Ukrainian servicemen ride on a tank not far from the front line in the Kharkiv region amid the continuing Russian invasion of Ukraine on July 6, 2023. Sergey Bobok/AFP via Getty Images

Australia is one of the biggest providers of military aid to the Ukrainian government outside of NATO countries, committing to date $890 million (US$566 million). This has included over $710 million in military aid, which covered $33 million for Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), 120 Bushmaster vehicles, 56 M113 armoured vehicles, 28 M40 trucks, M777 Howitzers and anti-armour weapons, and a range of personal equipment.

Australia has also provided 105-millimetre light-artillery ammunition and 155-millimetre artillery ammunition jointly with France and deployed a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft for approximately six months, including the deployment of up to 100 crew and support personnel.