Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced an additional $60 million in aid to Ukraine during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York. This new support package is aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense and energy capabilities amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
The aid package includes $45 million allocated for Australian Defence Force equipment, $10 million dedicated to Ukraine’s energy support fund, and $5 million for humanitarian assistance. With this latest contribution, Australia’s total support for Ukraine since the 2022 Russian invasion will reach approximately $1.9 billion.
The announcement coincided with the signing of a 10-year bilateral security agreement between Australia and Ukraine. This agreement outlines plans for increased military training and explores collaboration on training facilities, as well as joint production of air-defense systems, missiles, and drones. Albanese emphasized the importance of upholding international law and highlighted the global implications of the conflict in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for the new agreement, noting that it would enhance cooperation between the two nations in various sectors, including security and trade. Albanese also indicated that the bilateral security agreement would remain pertinent beyond the current conflict, serving as a foundation for future peacetime cooperation between the two countries.