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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has spoken with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an early 2026 phone exchange.
President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Albanese reportedly discussed Ukraine’s defence needs into the new year, earlier this week.
“They discussed Ukraine’s defence needs amid ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and communities. Prime Minister Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, including assistance with air defence,” according to a statement from the embassy of Ukraine in Australia and New Zealand
“President Zelenskyy also briefed the Prime Minister on current diplomatic efforts and next steps, which were positively acknowledged.”
The pair of leaders also reportedly discussed the recent Islamic State-inspired Bondi Beach terrorism attack in Sydney on 14 December.
“During the call, President Zelenskyy expressed condolences over the recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, noting that six of the victims were of Ukrainian origin. Ukraine stands in solidarity with the families and loved ones of all those affected,” according to the embassy statement.
Ukraine has previously expressed sustained interest in acquiring the Australian Defence Force’s retiring Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter fleet.
The four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter, manufactured and maintained by Airbus, originally entered deployment in 2003 and are due for a withdrawal from service in 2028.
In addition, Ukraine had previously made a request for access to the Australian Defence Force’s scrapped MRH-90 Taipan helicopter fleet but was denied by the federal government.
