Zelenskyy holds talks with Australian PM on defence, Russian strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to discuss Ukraine’s defence needs and ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities.

In a Telegram post, the president emphasised Ukraine’s urgent need for missiles for air-defence systems, stressing that such support is needed daily, alongside ongoing backing for the country’s overall defence capabilities, Caliber.Az reports.

During the discussion, Zelenskyy also briefed the Australian premier on the current diplomatic track and Ukraine’s next steps. Albanese reportedly praised Kyiv’s efforts on the international stage.

Separately, Zelenskyy expressed condolences to the Australian prime minister over last month’s terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, which killed six people of Ukrainian descent, and conveyed Ukraine’s solidarity with the families and loved ones of the victims.

On 14 December 2025, two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration called “Chanukah by the Sea” at Bondi Beach in Sydney, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens in what authorities declared a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community.

The mass shooting occurred during the first night of the Jewish festival of lights, prompting international condemnation and marking one of Australia’s deadliest terrorist incidents and mass shootings in recent history.

Police engaged the attackers at the scene; one gunman was killed by police, and the second was taken into custody. Investigators found evidence linked to extremist inspiration, although no wider militant network has been identified.

By Jeyhun Aghazada