- The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia
- The Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence
Today Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the Australia–Ukraine Bilateral Security Agreement.
The Agreement provides a framework for defence and security cooperation and affirms Australia’s enduring commitment to Ukraine.
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.
Ukraine’s battle-tested expertise, complemented by its cutting-edge defence sector, will offer valuable lessons for Australia.
The Australian Government will provide 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.
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 to inform and strengthen Australia’s own capabilities.
The Australian Government has also today 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.
Since the outset of Russia’s invasion, Australia’s position has been clear – we condemn Russia’s unprovoked full-scale assault on Ukraine, a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. Russia’s actions are immoral and undermine international peace and security.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“It was an honour to meet President Zelenskyy again – I am always struck by his determination, courage and allegiance to the Ukrainian people.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:
“Australia remains committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes to resolve this conflict on its terms.
“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 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.”
Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:
“Australia has been steadfast in our support for Ukraine since Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified full-scale invasion.
“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.”