Strengthening Defense Capabilities: The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Held a Meeting with an Australian Delegation

On Monday, February 17, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Lytvynenko, held a meeting with an Australian delegation led by Bernard Philip, Head of the International Policy Division of the Australian Department of Defense. The meeting also included the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Australia to Ukraine, Paul Lemann; Director of the Ukrainian Coordination Department at the Department of Defense, Bartek Rzeszewski; and Director for Military-Strategic Obligations at the Department of Defense, Colonel Tony Bennett.

The parties discussed the security situation in Ukraine, the sanctions policy against the aggressor state, Ukraine’s priority defense needs, and effective security guarantees for Ukraine.

The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine thanked the Australian government for its military and humanitarian support to Ukraine in its fight against the Russian Federation. He specifically emphasized the critical need to strengthen air defense in light of continuous Russian missile attacks and mass strikes on critical infrastructure.

On behalf of the delegation, Bernard Philip, Head of the International Policy Division of the Australian Department of Defense, expressed support for the Ukrainian people. He confirmed Australia’s intentions to continue contributing to strengthening Ukraine’s resilience amid Russia’s full-scale aggression.

The parties expressed hope for the continuation of bilateral cooperation.