Ukraine and Australia deepen security partnership with new bilateral agreement
In New York, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese signed the Agreement on Long-Term Support and Cooperation between Ukraine and Australia.
The document solidifies Australia's commitment to continued support for Ukraine. Australia has already provided approximately 1 billion euros in military and financial assistance, including ammunition, guided weapons, air defense systems, and armored vehicles.
The agreement specifies that Australia will:
The document also provides for deepening defense industry cooperation: Ukraine and Australia will explore joint production opportunities for advanced air defense systems, missiles, unmanned systems, and other innovative defense products, including through joint ventures.
The agreement encompasses energy support, assistance in returning Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, veteran rehabilitation and reintegration, economic recovery and reconstruction, demining, maritime security, counter-propaganda efforts against Russia, and the attraction of private capital and investment.
The head of state also noted that Australia made a new defense contribution of 60 million US dollars to support:
At the same time, Zelenskyi assured Albanese that Ukraine stands ready to share its battlefield-tested experience and technology with Australia.
According to Zelenskyi, cooperation will cover technologies including:
He emphasized that such solutions have applications not only on the battlefield but also across a broader national security context.
Additionally, the president announced a new Australian sanctions package targeting Russian accomplices and shadow fleet vessels.
Zelenskyi specifically highlighted the importance of this decision against the backdrop of European attempts to remove Russian oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov from sanctions lists.
"At a time when efforts are underway in Europe to remove oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov from sanctions lists, this sends a very right signal," the president noted.
Background
Ukraine has now concluded 30 bilateral security agreements implementing the G7 Joint Declaration adopted in Vilnius on July 12, 2023:
Earlier, the Australian government announced an additional 100 million US dollars aid package for Ukraine to purchase critical military equipment to counter Russia's unprovoked invasion.
The Australian Army also tested the Vector AI reconnaissance drone during the Southern Jackaroo exercises at the Townsville Field Training Area in Queensland. Upgraded with Ukraine's combat experience, troops used the drone for reconnaissance and to target simulated enemy forces.
The operational value of the drone lies in its ability to operate at ranges exceeding 60 kilometers, enabling forces to monitor both the front line and rear areas where supplies, reinforcements, and command elements move.
The Australian army noted that such systems are reshaping modern defensive strategies.
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24 of September 2026
