Anthony Albanese, Volodymyr Zelensky talk support for Ukraine as Russia’s full-scale invasion nears third anniversary

Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Anthony Albanese for “Australia’s unwavering support for Ukraine” and discussed “increasing pressure on Russia” in a phone call overnight. The call came just weeks out from the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Ukrainian President said the two leaders talked through a range of issues, including speeding up the delivery of battle tanks. “I spoke with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and thanked him for Australia’s unwavering support for Ukraine and our people,” Mr Zelensky said in a statement. “It is crucial that our coalition in defence of international law remains truly global. We are also working to expedite the new defence aid package.” The Albanese government pledged 49 M1A1 Abrams to Ukraine in October last year. NewsWire understands the Ukrainian government has been pushing to get the tanks by May before the European summer. But Australia has signalled the transfer might not take place until October this year. Mr Zelensky said he and Mr Albanese also talked about ramping up sanctions on Russia, adding that “Australia is ready to take further steps”. “Ukraine’s priority remains reliable security guarantees, reinforcing our defence and increasing pressure on Russia to end the war,” he said. “We also addressed diplomatic efforts and appreciate Australia’s firm stance that all substantive negotiations on Ukraine must include Ukraine – this is the only way to achieve a just peace.” Donald Trump’s election has sparked uncertainty around Washington’s support for the Ukrainian cause. The US President has previously vowed to end the war within 24 hours – a promise he has since reneged on. But doubts around Mr Trump’s commitment to Kyiv have remained. Mr Zelensky also said he and Mr Albanese discussed Australian POW Oscar Jenkins. Mr Jenkins was captured by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine in December. Russian officials confirmed to Canberra that Mr Jenkins was alive last week after weeks of ambiguity. Mr Zelensky said “we must establish all the circumstances surrounding the case of Australian citizen Oscar Jenkins”. Australia has given Ukraine north of $1.5bn worth of aid to fight back against Russia’s invading forces. The conflict has devastated Ukraine’s east and subjected cities all over the country to daily missile and drone attacks. Of the 6.8 million Ukrainians that have sought refuge outside of their homeland, some 11,400 have found safe haven in Australia.