Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the Australia–Ukraine Bilateral Security Agreement on Thursday, 24 September 2026, according to the official joint media release issued by the Australian Prime Minister’s Office, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and President Zelenskyy.
The release states the Agreement provides a framework for defence and security cooperation and affirms Australia’s enduring commitment to Ukraine. After more than four years of Ukraine defending itself against Russia’s invasion, the release says Ukraine has developed one of the world’s most innovative and agile fighting forces, and that Ukraine’s battle-tested expertise and defence sector will offer valuable lessons for Australia.
The Australian Government will provide an additional A$60 million in support to Ukraine, including A$45 million in Australian Defence Force equipment, A$10 million for Ukraine’s Energy Support Fund, and A$5 million in humanitarian assistance, the release states. That brings Australia’s total contribution to Ukraine to almost A$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, the release states. Australia’s membership is described as providing insights into advanced maritime capabilities and their operational use that can inform and strengthen Australia’s own capabilities.
The same release states the Australian Government has imposed additional sanctions on Russia, bringing Australia’s totals to almost 1,900 sanctions on Russia and its supporters and almost 300 shadow-fleet vessels listed. The release restates Australia’s position that Russia’s full-scale assault on Ukraine is a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, and that Russia’s actions undermine international peace and security.
Quotes attributable in the release: Albanese said it was an honour to meet President Zelenskyy again and that the Bilateral Security Agreement underscores Australia’s ongoing commitment and enduring support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s aggression; he said Australians stand with Ukraine. Marles said Australia remains committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes to resolve the conflict on Ukraine’s terms, and that deeper defence cooperation can help grow Ukraine’s defence industrial base while Australia learns from Ukraine’s resistance. Wong said Australia has been steadfast since the invasion, will continue to impose costs on Russia, and wants a lasting peace that upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
What to watch without mood: publication of the full Agreement text; delivery schedule for the A$45 million ADF equipment package; Australia’s first contributions under the Maritime Capability Coalition; and further sanctions listings. Signing the Agreement is not a mutual-defence treaty obligation beyond what the text itself provides once published.
Floor: PM.gov.au joint release 24 Sep 2026 — Albanese + Zelenskyy signed Australia–Ukraine Bilateral Security Agreement; +A$60m (A$45m ADF equipment, A$10m Energy Support Fund, A$5m humanitarian); total ~A$1.9bn; joins UK/Norway Maritime Capability Coalition; additional Russia sanctions (~1,900 total; ~300 shadow-fleet vessels).