Australia Pledges Another $60 Million of Aid to Ukraine

Australia and Ukraine have signed a 10-year security agreement, with Canberra also pledging another $60 million (US$42.2 million) in support for the war-torn nation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the deal in New York on Sept. 23, on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.

The new package includes $45 million worth of Australian Defence Force equipment, $10 million for Ukraine’s Energy Support Fund, and $5 million in humanitarian aid. It brings Australia’s total support for Ukraine to $1.9 billion, according to the prime minister’s office.

“This bilateral security agreement underscores Australia’s ongoing commitment and enduring support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s aggression,” Albanese said.

Defence Minister Richard Marles added that “Australia remains committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes to resolve this conflict on its terms.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia would “continue to work with partners to impose costs on Russia.” Australia has now placed nearly 1,900 sanctions on Russia and listed about 300 “shadow fleet” ships.

The agreement covers training, equipment, energy, aid, cyber security, rebuilding and mine clearance. Australia will also join the UK and Norway-led Maritime Capability Coalition, which supports Ukraine’s navy.

If the current fighting formally ends and Russia attacks again, the two countries will “consult within 24 hours to discuss measures or support that may assist to counter the armed attack.”

The text says Australia acts “consistent with [its] status as a non-party to the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine.” It is a set of political commitments rather than a binding treaty.

Ukraine’s presidential office said it is the 30th such security deal Kyiv has signed under a G7 declaration made in July 2023.

“The people of Australia have always stood with Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said after meeting Albanese. “Thank you for your real and concrete support—military, energy support, which has been critically important, and humanitarian assistance.”

“Ukraine, in return, is ready to share its experience and technologies,” Zelenskyy said. He said the two countries’ teams would prepare a “drone deal.”

Australia’s defence relationship with Ukraine has been moving beyond the provision of equipment.

In July 2025, the two countries already discussing a formal security agreement focused on defence cooperation, drone technology and intelligence sharing. Australia has also increasingly looked to Ukraine’s battlefield experience as it develops its own drone and counter-drone capabilities, with the Defence Department committing billions of dollars to autonomous and unmanned systems.

In July 2024, Marles announced a $250 million package, then Australia’s largest, focused on air and missile defence. It took total aid to $1.1 billion. Then in October that same year, Australia pledged 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks worth more than $170 million.

At the time, Zelenskyy said, “Australia remains our reliable partner in defending freedom, democracy, human life, and global security.”