Key facts
- Australia will provide an additional $60 million in support for Ukraine.
- The new aid package includes $45 million for Defense Force equipment, $10 million for Ukraine's energy support fund, and $5 million for humanitarian assistance.
- Australia and Ukraine signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement.
- The agreement aims to enhance trade and security between the two nations.
- Australia's total contribution to Ukraine since Russia's invasion now stands at $1.9 billion.
- Australia will also increase training for Ukrainian forces and explore joint production of defense measures.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced an additional $60 million in support for Ukraine during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The package includes $45 million for Australian Defence Force equipment, $10 million for Ukraine's energy support fund, and $5 million for humanitarian assistance. This brings Australia's total contribution to Ukraine since Russia's invasion in 2022 to $1.9 billion.
Albanese and Zelenskyy signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement, which will also see Australia step up training for Ukrainian forces and explore co-operation on training centers and the joint production of air-defense measures, missiles, and drones. Albanese described the agreement as a proud day for Australia in upholding international laws, warning that allowing a powerful country to profit from illegal invasion sets a bad precedent for the world.
Zelenskyy called the agreement the "strongest document between our countries," aimed at increasing trade and security. The meeting occurred as Albanese prepared to deliver a speech arguing that the post-World War II international world order is "no longer fit for purpose" and that existing institutions are insufficient for current global challenges.