Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged an additional $60 million in aid to Ukraine, bolstering the nation’s efforts as it continues to confront Russian aggression. The announcement came during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York, where the two leaders also formalized a 10-year bilateral security agreement.
The latest aid package from Australia includes $45 million dedicated to Australian Defence Force equipment, $10 million to support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and $5 million allocated for humanitarian assistance. With this new commitment, Australia’s total support for Ukraine since the onset of the Russian invasion in 2022 climbs to approximately $1.9 billion.
In addition to financial aid, the newly signed security agreement outlines plans for increased military training and the exploration of joint initiatives such as the production of air-defense systems, missiles, and drones. Albanese emphasized the broader implications of the conflict in Ukraine, noting the importance of upholding international law as a core reason for Australia’s continued support.
President Zelenskyy welcomed the agreement, highlighting its potential to strengthen cooperation between Ukraine and Australia in areas such as security and trade. The framework established by the agreement is designed to extend beyond the war, facilitating lasting collaboration between the two nations during peacetime.