Australia to provide Ukraine with another $60m after Albanese-Zelenskyy meeting

Australia will provide Ukraine with an additional $60m in support. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the package during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations gathering.

$45m will fund Australian Defence Force equipment, $10m will go to Ukraine’s energy support fund and $5m will be allocated to humanitarian assistance. Australia’s total contribution since Russia’s invasion in 2022 will reach $1.9bn.

Ten-year security agreement

Albanese and Zelenskyy signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement. It includes expanded training for Ukrainian forces and plans to explore cooperation on training centres and the joint production of air-defence measures, missiles and drones.

Albanese said the agreement would remain in effect during the war and in peacetime after the conflict ends. Zelenskyy called it the strongest document between the two countries and said it would strengthen trade and security.

Albanese to address global order

Albanese said the war in Ukraine was an issue for the whole world, not only Europe. He said allowing Russia to profit from violating international rules would set a bad precedent.

In a speech to the Atlantic Council, the prime minister was expected to argue that the international order established after the second world war was no longer fit for present challenges. He was also expected to stress the importance of partnerships and alliances in a changing global environment.

On the same day, Australia signed a new strategic partnership with the Netherlands to strengthen defence ties and seek justice for the victims of the MH17 disaster.