Australia and Ukraine have formalized a new bilateral security agreement aimed at enhancing defence cooperation amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The deal was signed on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday (AEST), accompanied by a $60 million aid package from Australia to support Ukraine’s military and infrastructure needs.
The agreement sets a framework for formal defence and security collaboration between the two countries. It includes commitments from Australia to provide $45 million worth of defence equipment, $10 million to support critical energy infrastructure, and an additional $10 million in humanitarian assistance. The Australian government also pledged support for the development of Ukraine’s navy through participation in the British and Norwegian-led Capability Coalition for Ukraine.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the pact as a testament to the strong relationship between the nations and praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his leadership during the conflict. Albanese characterized Zelensky as “extraordinary” in guiding his country through what was initially expected to be a swift Russian invasion. “Russia thought it could just steamroll through in a matter of weeks,” Albanese said, “but the people of Ukraine were underestimated.”
Zelensky expressed gratitude toward Australia for its ongoing support since the start of the war and emphasized the agreement’s significance beyond the current conflict. He said the security deal was the “strongest document” signed between the countries, underscoring intentions to boost trade, defence production, and long-term security cooperation. Zelensky further outlined plans to expand cooperation with other nations to create a modern, integrated defence system capable of countering drone threats in multiple domains.
The announcement coincides with Australia imposing new sanctions against the Kremlin, raising the total number of Australian sanctions to 1,900. These measures come amid continued global condemnation of Russia’s “unprovoked and unjustified invasion” of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not been invited to the upcoming G20 summit in Miami—a decision related to the conflict.
Australian officials, including Prime Minister Albanese, Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, highlighted Ukraine’s military resilience and innovation after more than four years of conflict. They noted Ukraine’s experience offers valuable lessons and insights for Australia’s own defence strategy.
Albanese framed support for Ukraine as a global imperative, stressing that allowing a more powerful nation to violate international law without consequence threatens the rules-based global order. The new bilateral security agreement signals Canberra’s commitment to sustained support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and defence capabilities amid ongoing hostilities.