Latest news with #Abrams
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Australia hands over first tranche of tanks to Ukraine
The first tranche of Australian tanks has been handed over to the Ukrainian army to help its defence against Russia's invasion. Australia pledged to give Ukraine 49 Abrams tanks at a value of $245 million. Defence Minister Richard Marles said the tanks would aid Ukrainian firepower and complement other military equipment donated by allies to repel Russia's invasion. "Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace," Mr Marles said. A majority of the tanks have been delivered and a final tranche will arrive in the coming months, but actual numbers haven't been released. Russian missile and drone strikes in Ukraine are targeting civilians in record numbers, according to the United Nations human rights office. At least 139 civilians have been killed and more than 790 injured as of July 15. June marked the deadliest month for civilians in more than three years, the UN said. Australia will also deploy a Wedgetail aircraft to Europe in August to protect the corridors to Ukraine through which aid is delivered. "Australia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine," Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said. Australia has committed more than $1.5 billion to aid Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022. It comes as the federal government negotiates a non-binding security pact with Ukraine, following more than two dozen other nations that have similar agreements. The agreements are largely vague, aren't legally binding and don't include joint security or defence guarantees. Areas of co-operation for Australia and Ukraine likely to be included in such a pact span military assistance and collaboration. A second agreement eliminating double taxation to encourage investment in Ukraine to help it rebuild after the devastating war is also set to be inked. The delivery of tanks also comes as United Nations and humanitarian partners launched an appeal to try and raise hundreds of millions of dollars to protect Ukrainians facing a harsh winter as Russia attacks critical infrastructure. The winter response plan aims to deliver humanitarian assistance to more than 1.7 million people between October 2025 and March 2026. The first tranche of Australian tanks has been handed over to the Ukrainian army to help its defence against Russia's invasion. Australia pledged to give Ukraine 49 Abrams tanks at a value of $245 million. Defence Minister Richard Marles said the tanks would aid Ukrainian firepower and complement other military equipment donated by allies to repel Russia's invasion. "Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace," Mr Marles said. A majority of the tanks have been delivered and a final tranche will arrive in the coming months, but actual numbers haven't been released. Russian missile and drone strikes in Ukraine are targeting civilians in record numbers, according to the United Nations human rights office. At least 139 civilians have been killed and more than 790 injured as of July 15. June marked the deadliest month for civilians in more than three years, the UN said. Australia will also deploy a Wedgetail aircraft to Europe in August to protect the corridors to Ukraine through which aid is delivered. "Australia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine," Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said. Australia has committed more than $1.5 billion to aid Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022. It comes as the federal government negotiates a non-binding security pact with Ukraine, following more than two dozen other nations that have similar agreements. The agreements are largely vague, aren't legally binding and don't include joint security or defence guarantees. Areas of co-operation for Australia and Ukraine likely to be included in such a pact span military assistance and collaboration. A second agreement eliminating double taxation to encourage investment in Ukraine to help it rebuild after the devastating war is also set to be inked. The delivery of tanks also comes as United Nations and humanitarian partners launched an appeal to try and raise hundreds of millions of dollars to protect Ukrainians facing a harsh winter as Russia attacks critical infrastructure. The winter response plan aims to deliver humanitarian assistance to more than 1.7 million people between October 2025 and March 2026. The first tranche of Australian tanks has been handed over to the Ukrainian army to help its defence against Russia's invasion. Australia pledged to give Ukraine 49 Abrams tanks at a value of $245 million. Defence Minister Richard Marles said the tanks would aid Ukrainian firepower and complement other military equipment donated by allies to repel Russia's invasion. "Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace," Mr Marles said. A majority of the tanks have been delivered and a final tranche will arrive in the coming months, but actual numbers haven't been released. Russian missile and drone strikes in Ukraine are targeting civilians in record numbers, according to the United Nations human rights office. At least 139 civilians have been killed and more than 790 injured as of July 15. June marked the deadliest month for civilians in more than three years, the UN said. Australia will also deploy a Wedgetail aircraft to Europe in August to protect the corridors to Ukraine through which aid is delivered. "Australia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine," Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said. Australia has committed more than $1.5 billion to aid Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022. It comes as the federal government negotiates a non-binding security pact with Ukraine, following more than two dozen other nations that have similar agreements. The agreements are largely vague, aren't legally binding and don't include joint security or defence guarantees. Areas of co-operation for Australia and Ukraine likely to be included in such a pact span military assistance and collaboration. A second agreement eliminating double taxation to encourage investment in Ukraine to help it rebuild after the devastating war is also set to be inked. The delivery of tanks also comes as United Nations and humanitarian partners launched an appeal to try and raise hundreds of millions of dollars to protect Ukrainians facing a harsh winter as Russia attacks critical infrastructure. The winter response plan aims to deliver humanitarian assistance to more than 1.7 million people between October 2025 and March 2026. The first tranche of Australian tanks has been handed over to the Ukrainian army to help its defence against Russia's invasion. Australia pledged to give Ukraine 49 Abrams tanks at a value of $245 million. Defence Minister Richard Marles said the tanks would aid Ukrainian firepower and complement other military equipment donated by allies to repel Russia's invasion. "Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace," Mr Marles said. A majority of the tanks have been delivered and a final tranche will arrive in the coming months, but actual numbers haven't been released. Russian missile and drone strikes in Ukraine are targeting civilians in record numbers, according to the United Nations human rights office. At least 139 civilians have been killed and more than 790 injured as of July 15. June marked the deadliest month for civilians in more than three years, the UN said. Australia will also deploy a Wedgetail aircraft to Europe in August to protect the corridors to Ukraine through which aid is delivered. "Australia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine," Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said. Australia has committed more than $1.5 billion to aid Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022. It comes as the federal government negotiates a non-binding security pact with Ukraine, following more than two dozen other nations that have similar agreements. The agreements are largely vague, aren't legally binding and don't include joint security or defence guarantees. Areas of co-operation for Australia and Ukraine likely to be included in such a pact span military assistance and collaboration. A second agreement eliminating double taxation to encourage investment in Ukraine to help it rebuild after the devastating war is also set to be inked. The delivery of tanks also comes as United Nations and humanitarian partners launched an appeal to try and raise hundreds of millions of dollars to protect Ukrainians facing a harsh winter as Russia attacks critical infrastructure. The winter response plan aims to deliver humanitarian assistance to more than 1.7 million people between October 2025 and March 2026.
AU Financial Review
2 days ago
- Politics
- AU Financial Review
Australia hands over first tranche of tanks to Ukraine
The first tranche of Australian tanks has been handed over to the Ukrainian army to help its defence against Russia's invasion. Australia pledged to give Ukraine 49 Abrams tanks at a value of $245 million. AAP
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Australia hands over first tranche of tanks to Ukraine
The first tranche of Australian tanks has been handed over to the Ukrainian army to help its defence against Russia's invasion. Australia pledged to give Ukraine 49 Abrams tanks at a value of $245 million. Defence Minister Richard Marles said the tanks would aid Ukrainian firepower and complement other military equipment donated by allies to repel Russia's invasion. "Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace," Mr Marles said. A majority of the tanks have been delivered and a final tranche will arrive in the coming months, but actual numbers haven't been released. Russian missile and drone strikes in Ukraine are targeting civilians in record numbers, according to the United Nations human rights office. At least 139 civilians have been killed and more than 790 injured as of July 15. June marked the deadliest month for civilians in more than three years, the UN said. Australia will also deploy a Wedgetail aircraft to Europe in August to protect the corridors to Ukraine through which aid is delivered. "Australia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine," Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said. Australia has committed more than $1.5 billion to aid Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022. It comes as the federal government negotiates a non-binding security pact with Ukraine, following more than two dozen other nations that have similar agreements. The agreements are largely vague, aren't legally binding and don't include joint security or defence guarantees. Areas of co-operation for Australia and Ukraine likely to be included in such a pact span military assistance and collaboration. A second agreement eliminating double taxation to encourage investment in Ukraine to help it rebuild after the devastating war is also set to be inked. The delivery of tanks also comes as United Nations and humanitarian partners launched an appeal to try and raise hundreds of millions of dollars to protect Ukrainians facing a harsh winter as Russia attacks critical infrastructure. The winter response plan aims to deliver humanitarian assistance to more than 1.7 million people between October 2025 and March 2026.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Aussie Abrams tanks arrive in Ukraine
Australia is providing 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks – valued at $245m – to Ukraine to help bolster its war against Russia's illegal invasion. The first tranche of the retired tanks are now in the possession of the Armed Forces of Ukraine after they were shipped from the Port of Geelong. Australia first purchased the fleet of 59 Abrams tanks – which were never deployed into a combat zone – in 2007. The Australian Army has since replaced the fleet with newer M1A2 tanks. An Australian Army M1A1 Abrams main battle tank is lifted onto a ship in Australia, bound for Ukraine. Supplied Credit: Supplied Last year, Ukraine expressed interest in taking the M1A1 fleet after Australia refused to donate its retired fleet of Taipan helicopters – which have since been dismantled and buried – due to concerns they would be too complicated to maintain and operate. The current $245m support package involving the M1A1 Abrams fleet is part of the $1.5bn in assistance Australia has provided to the war-torn nation since the start of Russia's conflict in 2022. 'The M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a significant contribution to Ukraine's ongoing fight against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion,' Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, who met the army personnel who helped deliver the tanks, said. 'Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace.' The first tranche of M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks gifted to Ukraine are prepared for servicing at a port in Europe. Supplied Credit: Supplied Part of a support package worth $245m, the tanks have been retired by the Australian Army but were gifted to Ukraine as part of its fight against Russia. Supplied Credit: Supplied Ukraine has now taken possession of the majority of these tanks, with delivery of the final tranche to occur in the coming months. Australia is also due to deploy a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail to Europe to help protect a vital international gateway for assistance to Ukraine. Since 2003, the Australian Defence Force has helped train hundreds of Ukrainian troops as part of the UK-led and based multinational training mission Operation Kudu, which continues today. Ukrainian ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko thanks Australian Army soldiers for their efforts in loading M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks onto a ship. Supplied Credit: Supplied 'Australia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine,' Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said. 'These modified M1A1 Abrams tanks will deliver more firepower and more mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 'They meet a direct request from the Ukrainian government and form part of Australia's unwavering commitment to protect the global rules-based order.' The major update follows Russia handing over the bodies of 1000 slain soldiers to Ukraine, as further peace talks between both countries appeared to break down. Ukraine also agreed to return the bodies of 19 soldiers to Russia as part of the agreement. Earlier in the week, a 'very unhappy' US President Donald Trump set a 50-day deadline for Russia to reach a ceasefire deal with Ukraine, or risk tariffs that could cripple the eastern superpower. Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far rejected calls for a ceasefire. 'The US president's statements are very serious. Some of them are addressed personally to President Putin,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier in the week.
Black America Web
3 days ago
- Business
- Black America Web
Stacey Abrams Warns Companies Dropping DEI, ‘It Costs You'
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Throughout this year, we've seen company after company announce they're dropping diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to comply with the Trump administration's assault on anything that benefits anyone who isn't a straight, white man. While DEI removals may currently be a politically expedient move, lawyer and former Georgia Representative Stacey Abrams believes businesses will face long-term consequences for abandoning DEI. According to Fortune, Abrams talked at length about DEI during a July 11 panel at the NYU School of Law. 'This notion that simply complying a little bit stops at the water's edge is antithetical to every history we have ever written, and it costs you,' Abrams said. 'It may not cost you in the short term, but in the long term.' Abrams is currently running America Pride Rises, an organization dedicated to preserving and expanding DEI initiatives across the country. Abrams pointed out these companies are 'not operating in silos,' as customers are paying attention to these moves and are choosing where to spend their dollars accordingly. 'I'm also less sympathetic to multi-billion dollar corporations that are concerned about losing a few contracts when they're willing to sacrifice whole communities for that purpose,' Abrams added. Consumers are already showing their disapproval through consumer boycotts. Target spent much of the last decade presenting itself as an inclusive brand, supporting Black brands and LGBTQ culture. In the wake of George Floyd's murder, the company announced a commitment to DEI initiatives and causes benefiting the Black community (interestingly enough, Target's original statement announcing the commitment has been scrubbed from its website). Yet only a week after Trump's second term began, Target announced it was ending its DEI initiatives. Six months later, Target is feeling the backlash to the move. Target is the target of several ongoing consumer boycotts, to the point that Target revealed a first-quarter profit loss to investors in May. Despite consumer boycotts becoming so pronounced, companies are listing them as potential risks to investors, despite executives saying DEI initiatives are a net good, and despite polls showing companies keeping their DEI initiatives have better consumer reputations, that hasn't stopped companies from announcing they're dropping DEI initiatives. Only last week, mobile carrier T-Mobile announced it was dropping its DEI programs 'not just in name, but in substance.' T-Mobile was seeking approval from the FCC over two acquisitions, which it received shortly after the announcement. FCC Chair Brendan Carr is currently under investigation by House Democrats in the Energy and Commerce Committee for potentially weaponizing his ability to authorize acquisitions to pressure companies into dropping their DEI programs. While we've seen company after company give in to the Trump administration's assault on progress and free speech, Abrams pointed out Costco as a company that's continued to stand firm on its values despite the political climate. 'Costco has always been grounded in this responsibility. Therefore, irrespective of the change, they never had to change their policies, they never had to promote who they were. They simply are. And we can see the distinction between Costco and other institutions,' Abrams said. Unlike Target, Costco's shareholders voted to maintain the company's commitment to DEI initiatives, and unlike Target, Costco actually exceeded its expected quarterly earnings. Wow, not alienating a substantial portion of your consumer base actually results in higher sales. Who would've guessed that? SEE ALSO: Survey: High-Level Business Execs Say DEI Is Necessary Poll Shows Companies Maintaing DEI Intiatives Have Better Reputations SEE ALSO Stacey Abrams Warns Companies Dropping DEI, 'It Costs You' was originally published on
