The Australian Government has pledged an extra A$60m ($42m) in support for Ukraine, expanding its military and humanitarian assistance as the war with Russia continues into a fifth year.
The latest package includes A$45m in Australian Defence Force equipment, A$10m for Ukraine’s Energy Support Fund, and A$5m for humanitarian relief.
With this commitment, Australia’s overall contribution to Ukraine since the start of the conflict approaches A$1.9bn.
The support package forms part of a broader bilateral security agreement signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The agreement establishes a framework for ongoing defence and security cooperation between the two countries and affirms Australia’s sustained backing of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
In addition to expanding direct assistance, Australia has become a member of the UK- and Norway-led Maritime Capability Coalition to help strengthen the Ukrainian Navy.
The partnership aims to provide Ukraine with maritime expertise and operational knowledge, while also giving Australia the opportunity to learn from Ukraine’s military experience and defence sector.
The Australian Government has also intensified its sanctions regime against Russia, announcing new sanctions that raise the total number of Russian individuals and entities sanctioned to nearly 1,900, along with almost 300 vessels in Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’.
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion, Australia has maintained its opposition to Moscow’s actions, labelling the assault as “unprovoked and unjustified” and a violation of international law.
The Government reiterated that its support for Ukraine would remain as long as necessary.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles: “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.
“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.”
