Australia has pledged to help bolster Ukraine’s air defenses, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said after a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“The Prime Minister promised to help, and I am very grateful for that. Air defense missiles are needed every day, just as support for our defense is needed every day,” he wrote on his Telegram channel.
Zelensky said he also briefed Albanese on diplomatic developments and next steps. “The Prime Minister noted our efforts. Thank you for the kind words about Ukraine and Ukrainians,” he added.
The Ukrainian President offered condolences to Albanese over the terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach in December. “Six victims were of Ukrainian origin. Our solidarity to all the families and loved ones of those affected,” Zelensky said.
In December, Australia delivered the last M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine-49 in total-under a military aid package worth 245 million Australian dollars (more than $160 million).
Earlier in December, Australia and New Zealand also announced more than $70 million in military support for Ukraine, including contributions to the PURL program and the “drone coalition,” as well as various military equipment.
