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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy have signed the Australia–Ukraine bilateral security agreement.
The agreement provides a framework for defence and security co-operation, as well as Australia providing an additional $60 million in support to Ukraine, including $45 million in Australian Defence Force equipment, $10 million for Ukraine’s Energy Support Fund, and $5 million in humanitarian assistance.
This brings Australia’s total contribution to Ukraine to almost $1.9 billion.
Crucially, the new agreement with Ukraine highlights that Australia will ‘work with Ukraine to identify potential joint projects in defence industry and will consider appropriate financing frameworks to support their development.’
In addition, Australia will ‘continue to engage Ukraine as regards opportunities for defence industrial partnerships and joint collaboration, including the exchange of defence and military technology, and assistance to support the needs of both Participants. This may include exploring opportunities for collaboration on production, repair, maintenance, or supply chain projects – potentially on the territory of Ukraine – which, without prejudice to any other areas of future cooperation, may cover uncrewed systems, maritime domain, air defence and missiles, and other critical areas.’
“It was an honour to meet President Zelenskyy again; I am always struck by his determination, courage and allegiance to the Ukrainian people,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“This Bilateral Security Agreement underscores Australia’s ongoing commitment and enduring support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s aggression.
“I am proud to announce a further $60 million in support, bringing Australia’s total support to almost $1.9 billion, as well as further sanctions on Russia in response to its unprovoked and unjustified invasion. Australians stand with Ukraine.”
Australia will also join the United Kingdom and Norway-led Maritime Capability Coalition for Ukraine to support the development of Ukraine’s Navy. Australia’s membership will provide insights into advanced maritime capabilities and their operational use, helping inform and strengthen Australia’s own capabilities.
“Australia remains committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes to resolve this conflict on its terms,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
“This additional military assistance will provide targeted support to Ukraine’s defence and demonstrates Australia’s enduring commitment to Ukraine’s security and the global rules-based order.
“Ukraine has shown extraordinary resilience and innovation in defending its people and sovereignty. Through deeper defence co-operation 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.”
The Australian government has also imposed additional sanctions on Russia, bringing our total to almost 1,900 sanctions on Russia and its supporters, and almost 300 shadow fleet vessels listed.
“Australia has been steadfast in our support for Ukraine since Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified full-scale invasion,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.
“We will continue to provide unwavering support to Ukraine and we will continue to work with partners to impose costs on Russia and starve its war machine.
“Australia wants to see a lasting peace that upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports security and stability in Europe, and ensures Russia does not renew its aggression.”
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