Australia announces AUD31 mln assistance package for Ukraine

MOSCOW. May 31 (Interfax) - The Australian government will allot another AUD31 million (around $20.6 million) for Ukraine's energy and humanitarian needs, the foreign minister and the minister of international development and the Pacific Australia said in a joint press release, as reported by Ukrainian media.

"The new contribution includes AUD20 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, which will ensure that funds are used effectively to provide Ukrainians with heat and electricity," the statement said.

Australia will also provide AUD10 million to the UN Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan to improve access to essential items such as water, food and shelter, it said.

Another AUD1 million has been allocated through the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to improve services for people with disabilities in Ukraine, including for those in need of rehabilitation.

In all, Australia has allotted over AUD1 billion for Ukraine, including AUD880 million for military assistance.

The European Commission and the Ukrainian Energy Ministry established the Ukraine Energy Support Fund together to coordinate international contributions and to meet pressing energy needs of Kiev in a partnership with the Ukrainian government.