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.
Indonesian police have arrested three Australian men in connection with a deadly shooting at a villa in Bali, which claimed the life of a fourth Australian and left another seriously injured, according to Bali police chief Daniel Adityajaya on Wednesday.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to counter the "damaging" notion that democratic systems are failing, especially during a time of widespread global instability.
China's Foreign Ministry is pushing for a "more mature, stable and fruitful" partnership with Australia. While seeking stronger ties, Beijing offered no details on reports of PM Anthony Albanese visiting this summer.
China has rejected accusations made by the defense chiefs of the US, Japan, Australia and the Philippines, who last week raised concerns over Beijing’s actions in the East and South China Seas.
A woman on trial for allegedly poisoning her in-laws with deadly mushrooms has denied any intent to harm, calling the incident a tragic accident.
As Argentina’s unemployment hits a four-year high, the spotlight has turned to the libertarian administration of President Javier Milei, whose sweeping economic reforms are reshaping the country’s social and labour landscape.
South Korea’s chief trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, will travel to the United States from June 22 to 27 for a new round of high-level discussions aimed at resolving escalating trade tensions, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on Saturday.
US President Donald Trump said Friday that a major deal with Harvard University could be announced soon.
US President Donald Trump rejected the official assessment from his intelligence community that Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon.
NATO needs to evolve to meet today’s changing world, Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Friday.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
The USS Nimitz is heading to the Middle East amid tensions between Israel and Iran. The U.S. aircraft carrier has a decades-long history in the region, from the 1979 hostage crisis to modern deployments, often serving as a key asset during periods of rising friction with Iran.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visited military personnel in Los Angeles on Friday following their deployment to the city earlier this month in response to protests triggered by federal immigration enforcement actions.
As Argentina’s unemployment hits a four-year high, the spotlight has turned to the libertarian administration of President Javier Milei, whose sweeping economic reforms are reshaping the country’s social and labour landscape.
South Korea’s chief trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, will travel to the United States from June 22 to 27 for a new round of high-level discussions aimed at resolving escalating trade tensions, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on Saturday.
US President Donald Trump said Friday that a major deal with Harvard University could be announced soon.
US President Donald Trump rejected the official assessment from his intelligence community that Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon.
As Argentina’s unemployment hits a four-year high, the spotlight has turned to the libertarian administration of President Javier Milei, whose sweeping economic reforms are reshaping the country’s social and labour landscape.
South Korea’s chief trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, will travel to the United States from June 22 to 27 for a new round of high-level discussions aimed at resolving escalating trade tensions, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on Saturday.
US President Donald Trump said Friday that a major deal with Harvard University could be announced soon.
US President Donald Trump rejected the official assessment from his intelligence community that Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon.
NATO needs to evolve to meet today’s changing world, Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Friday.
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