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. efforts to squeeze Iran’s economy through an oil blockade and sanctions are becoming increasingly difficult for Tehran to withstand, acc...
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citi...
The 83rd Venice Film Festival has opened on the Lido, bringing Hollywood stars and leading filmmakers together for a programme dominated by war, po...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August and 2 September.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citing an unnamed source. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said American envoys will visit the capitals of both countries.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 3rd of September, covering the latest developments.
The Iranian Army has again struck at U.S. bases in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates in retaliation for U.S. attacks on southern and western parts of Iran late on Tuesday, which reportedly killed 18 people and injured more than 100 others.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citing an unnamed source. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said American envoys will visit the capitals of both countries.
Southern Chinese provinces were bracing for more torrential rain on Friday after Typhoon Saudel triggered severe flooding, swamping vehicles, collapsing at least one building and forcing mass evacuations.
President Donald Trump is leaving more than a paper trail from his time in office. The U.S. is now minting commemorative $1 coins for America’s 250th anniversary, featuring a portrait of the sitting president.
Pacific Island leaders expressed concern about China's Pacific missile test at their annual summit, though Nauru formally dissented, in a meeting largely overshadowed by Beijing's objections to Taiwan's presence.
China’s southern coastal provinces of Fujian and Guangdong are bracing for more torrential rain after Typhoon Saudel triggered widespread flooding, swept away vehicles and caused a three-storey building to collapse.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment