Australia has confirmed that a fleet of retired U.S.-made Abrams tanks promised to Ukraine is finally on the way, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting in Rome on Sunday, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
The tanks, which were pledged last year, had remained in Australia for months amid reported U.S. reluctance and logistical challenges. While defense officials blamed delays on Washington's hesitance, U.S. sources told ABC they had warned Australia early on that deploying Abrams tanks would be “complicated” and challenging to sustain in Ukrainian battle conditions.
Despite the complications, Albanese reiterated Canberra’s commitment to Ukraine, stating his government is doing “whatever we can” to increase pressure on Russia. He refrained from disclosing the exact delivery timeline, citing operational security concerns.
Zelenskyy welcomed the news and expressed gratitude for Australia’s ongoing support. “We are very thankful for this important step,” he said, adding that Australia’s contributions have played a vital role in Ukraine’s continued defense.
Australia has so far contributed around AUD $1.5 billion (US $962 million) in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and imposed sanctions on approximately 1,400 Russian individuals and entities. Zelenskyy encouraged further sanctions, to which Albanese responded that Australia remains open to “whatever we can do” to amplify economic and diplomatic pressure on Moscow.
Separately, Albanese met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Rome, who proposed a new security partnership between the European Union and Australia. While expressing interest, Albanese described the discussions as “very early stage” and noted that Australia is cautiously exploring deeper defense cooperation with Europe.
The deployment of Abrams tanks marks a significant escalation in Australia's military assistance and comes at a time when Western allies are intensifying efforts to bolster Ukraine’s capabilities on the battlefield.
U.S. officials have privately expressed frustration over Australia’s decision to send 49 retired M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, as the first vehicles begin their journey to Europe amid growing concerns about their battlefield effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
Australia has confirmed that a fleet of retired U.S.-made Abrams tanks promised to Ukraine is finally on the way, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting in Rome on Sunday, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
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The conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard University has escalated dramatically in recent months, with the federal government freezing billions in funding and explicitly threatening to revoke the university's tax-exempt status.
U.S. officials have privately expressed frustration over Australia’s decision to send 49 retired M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, as the first vehicles begin their journey to Europe amid growing concerns about their battlefield effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
Nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. hit a deadlock as Tehran rejects demands to stop uranium enrichment, insisting its program is peaceful. The U.S. says any deal must prevent nuclear weapons development.
The conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard University has escalated dramatically in recent months, with the federal government freezing billions in funding and explicitly threatening to revoke the university's tax-exempt status.
U.S. officials have privately expressed frustration over Australia’s decision to send 49 retired M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, as the first vehicles begin their journey to Europe amid growing concerns about their battlefield effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
Nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. hit a deadlock as Tehran rejects demands to stop uranium enrichment, insisting its program is peaceful. The U.S. says any deal must prevent nuclear weapons development.
Azerbaijan delivered a vibrant display of culture, sport, and tradition at this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show, held in honour of the British royal family. The prestigious event once again served as a platform for international equestrian excellence and diplomatic representation.
Global markets opened the week under pressure, with Asian equities broadly lower after disappointing Chinese retail sales data added to mounting concerns over Beijing’s ability—or willingness—to pivot from its traditional export-led growth model to one fueled by domestic consumption.
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