They are tough, agile and saving lives.
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Australia's decision to provide a further 30 Bushmaster vehicles has been welcomed by Ukraine's ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has returned to Australia from the NATO summit in Lithuania, where he told Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy about the decision to provide the vehicles.
Mr Myroshnychenko said the vehicles were the "heroes of the war", adding he hoped to bring a veteran to Australia to share stories of how they were making a difference.
"They are tough, versatile, agile and they are saving lives," he told Seven News.
Despite no decision being made at the summit to allow Ukraine to join NATO, Mr Myroshnychenko said closer ties were being formed with like-minded nations.
"Ukraine got much closer to NATO after the summit," he said.
"It's very important NATO is supporting us in this war against Russia."
Mr Albanese said he wasn't going to criticise the Ukrainians for asking for more military support.
"They would always like more, they're in a war for their survival as a sovereign state," he told 6PR radio on Thursday.
"We are providing support that we think is appropriate and that is needed."
The package builds on Australia's previous commitment of 90 Bushmasters, taking the total number to 120.
Australia has provided more than $710 million in military aid, with overall support reaching $890 million.
"We are proud to provide additional Bushmaster vehicles to assist the brave men and women fighting for their home and their nation's sovereignty," Mr Albanese said.
"Russia unilaterally launched this illegal and immoral invasion and should withdraw its troops and end the conflict immediately."
Mr Zelenskiy expressed his gratitude after meeting with Mr Albanese.
"Thank you! A powerful new defence package, including 30 Bushmasters," he wrote on the Telegram app.
Senior Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik told Nine News it was a "huge deal".
"The Bushmasters we received previously were used by our forces to liberate Kherson and our eastern territories," she said.
"From what I have spoken with our military commanders, they were absolutely thrilled that we will receive more of those, and they have proven to be incredibly effective."
Opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie said it was disappointing the prime minister waited for a photo opportunity to announce the decision, which should have been made months ago.
"While this decision has bipartisan support, once again Labor has been slow to act," he said.
"These vehicles must be sent to Ukraine as quickly as possible."
Australia this week announced a further step in its support for Ukraine - the deployment of an RAAF E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to protect the flow of assistance.
NATO members invited Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea to provide insight into broader security challenges, such as China's military expansion.
Mr Albanese also held separate talks with US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday.
Australian Associated Press
