Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed an additional $60 million in aid to Ukraine, as announced during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York. This package comprises $45 million in Australian Defence Force equipment, $10 million for Ukraine’s energy support, and $5 million designated for humanitarian assistance, thus bringing Australia’s total aid to Ukraine to approximately $1.9 billion since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
The announcement was made alongside a new 10-year bilateral security agreement between Australia and Ukraine. This agreement is set to enhance military training and cooperation in areas such as training facilities and the joint production of air-defense systems, missiles, and drones. Albanese emphasized that Australia’s continued support underscores the importance of upholding international law, noting the broader global implications of the conflict in Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy expressed his approval of the agreement, highlighting its potential to strengthen the partnership between the two countries in both security and trade sectors. The bilateral agreement is designed to remain relevant even after the conflict, providing a framework for ongoing peacetime cooperation between Australia and Ukraine.