Canberra, Australia — The Albanese Government has announced a new $95 million package of military assistance and a fresh round of sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, reinforcing Australia’s continuing commitment to Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Acting Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy issued a joint statement today outlining the expanded support, which lifts Australia’s total commitment to Ukraine to more than $1.7 billion, including over $1.5 billion in military aid.
Australia joins NATO initiative with landmark $50m contribution
The centrepiece of the newest package is a $50 million contribution to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) — a NATO-led mechanism designed to rapidly supply Kyiv with urgently needed military equipment.
Australia and New Zealand have become the first non-NATO nations to contribute to the PURL program. The ministers said the move underscores Australia’s belief that European security is directly linked to stability in the Indo-Pacific.
“In doing so our two countries continue to demonstrate our commitment to upholding the global rules-based order, recognising that what occurs in Europe matters in the Indo-Pacific,” the statement said.
Additional ADF equipment and drone support
Alongside the PURL contribution, the package includes:
- $43 million in Australian Defence Force materiel and equipment, including tactical air defence radars, munitions and combat engineering gear.
- $2 million for the Drone Capability Coalition, supporting the provision of advanced drone technologies sought directly by Ukraine.
The government also confirmed that the final tranche of Australia’s gifted 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks will arrive in Ukraine within weeks. Additionally, Australia continues to train Ukrainian personnel in the United Kingdom as part of Operation Kudu.
Sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet expand
Australia has also imposed targeted sanctions on 45 more vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet — the alleged network used to covertly transport Russian oil and evade international restrictions. This brings Australia’s total number of sanctioned shadow-fleet vessels to 200.
The ministers said the coordinated sanctions mirror efforts taken by partners including the United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand and the European Union.
“As a result of actions we have taken, direct Australian imports of Russian energy products have fallen from $80 million before Russia’s invasion to zero,” Senator Wong said.
Strong, unified front
Australia remains the largest non-NATO contributor of military assistance to Ukraine and continues to work closely with the Coalition of the Willing, a group of more than 35 nations coordinating support for Kyiv.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the new commitments would provide “tangible” benefits to Ukraine’s defence.
“Australia is unwavering in its support for Ukraine,” Mr Marles said. “We are proud to be contributing to PURL, standing in solidarity with our partners — in NATO and the Indo-Pacific — to see a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.”
Minister Conroy said Australia was responding directly to Ukraine’s requests.
“It’s a testament to our steadfast support for the right of the courageous people of Ukraine to live in peace and to determine their own future,” he said. “Our government will continue to support them alongside the Australian people until we see a just and lasting peace.”
The government said its ongoing contributions ensure Ukraine’s armed forces are equipped with the “much-needed capabilities” required to defend their country, reaffirming Australia’s broader commitment to the global rules-based order.
