Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine’s defense against the Russian invasion. During the meeting, Albanese announced that Australia would provide an additional $60 million in aid to the country.

The meeting was characterized by a public display of solidarity, with the Prime Minister embracing President Zelenskyy. Albanese spoke publicly about the Ukrainian leader’s efforts, describing him as a "friend" and praising his leadership throughout the conflict. This meeting serves as a precursor to a major speech the Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver at the UN, where he intends to argue that the current international world order is "no longer fit for purpose."

While the specific allocation of the $60 million package was not detailed in the initial report, the funding is intended to bolster Ukraine's position in the ongoing war. The Prime Minister’s rhetoric during the meeting emphasized a personal connection with the Ukrainian president, framing the support as both a strategic necessity and a matter of international principle. The visit highlights Australia's continued commitment to the Ukrainian cause, despite the significant geographical distance between the two nations.