Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have signed a new Bilateral Security Agreement.
The agreement provides “a framework for defence and security cooperation and affirms Australia’s enduring commitment to Ukraine”.
In a statement, the Federal Government said it would provide an additional $60 million in support to Ukraine.
This included $45 million in Australian Defence Force equipment, $10 million for Ukraine’s Energy Support Fund and $5 million in humanitarian assistance.
The new commitment will bring Australia’s total contribution to Ukraine to almost $1.9 billion.
“After more than four years of defending itself against Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion, Ukraine has developed one of the world’s most innovative and agile fighting forces,” the government said in a statement.
“Ukraine’s battle-tested expertise, complemented by its cutting-edge defence sector, will offer valuable lessons for Australia.”
Australia has also announced it will join the United Kingdom and Norway-led Maritime Capability Coalition for Ukraine. This will support the development of Ukraine’s Navy.
The government has imposed additional sanctions on Russia, bringing total sanctions on Russia and its supporters to around 1900.
Mr Albanese said it was an honour to meet President Zelenskyy again.
“I am always struck by his determination, courage and allegiance to the Ukrainian people,” he said.
“This Bilateral Security Agreement underscores Australia’s ongoing commitment and enduring support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s aggression.”
“Australians stand with Ukraine.”
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said Australia remained committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it took to resolve the conflict on its terms.
“Ukraine has shown extraordinary resilience and innovation in defending its people and sovereignty,” he said.
“Through deeper defence cooperation we can lend our strengths and insights to help grow Ukraine’s defence industrial base, and likewise learn from the hard-fought lessons of Ukraine’s resistance in developing our future capabilities.”
