Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Australia will help put pressure on Russia.
The two spoke at Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass in Vatican City, where Albanese said the Australian Government supports Ukraine’s “struggle,” especially after Russian President Vladimir Putin abandoned peace talks in Turkey.
“We've provided now around about A$1.5 billion in support, primarily military and defence support,” Albanese said.
“Because the struggle, the courage that your people are showing is quite remarkable and your leadership as President as well, has been so steadfast and quite inspirational.”
Despite the support Australia has extended to Ukraine, the ABC reported last month that the fleet of retired Abram tanks pledged to Ukraine last year remained stuck in Australia.
Albanese has since told Zelenskyy that the tanks are on their way.
In response to the Australian Government’s support, Zelenkskyy asked if Albanese could help put more pressure and more sanctions on Russia.
“Thank you very much for your military support, for your strong words and supporting the coalition of the willing,” he said.
“Together, we can really move this situation closer to peace, with pressure on Russia.”
At the inaugural mass, Albanese also met with European allies of Ukraine, where European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, proposed establishing a security partnership with Australia.
“The good thing is Australia and Europe are reliable partners. We are predictable, we share the same values as you just said,” she said.
“So we can offer to each other stability and we're very grateful for that.
“And this is the reason also that we do not only see you as a trading partner, but we see you as a strategic partner, and we would very much like to broaden this strategic partnership.”
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