“We appreciate every dollar and every Bushmaster,” Myroshnychenko said.

“Bushmasters have performed really well on the battlefield and this extra support will make a significant contribution to the liberation of more Ukrainian territory from the invading Russian forces.”

Ukrainian forces have been advancing rapidly towards the southern provincial capital of Kherson,raising expectations they will recapture the city within days and deliver Putin another embarrassing defeat.

Kherson has been under Russian control since the early days of the invasion.

Myroshnychenko had made clear that extra military support in the form of troop carriers and ammunition was Ukraine’s priority,not training,but welcomed the UK training initiative.

The UK has led efforts to provide basic military training to thousands of Ukrainian civilians by hosting them for combat courses in England.

Defence Minister Richard Marles,whoflagged the training initiative earlier this month,said:“Our soldiers will be part of a large training program in the United Kingdom to help prepare their Ukrainian mates for their struggle against Russia’s unwarranted and unlawful aggression.”

He added:“Since their arrival,the Bushmasters have been used extensively by the Ukrainian Armed Forces with more requested by the Ukrainian president,minister for defence,and the ambassador.”

Ukraine has alsorequested Australia send a fleet of Hawkei protected mobility vehicles,which are still in the testing phase,to the battlefield as well as more howitzer long-range weapons and ammunition.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news,views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weeklyInside Politics newsletter here.