Key Developments
On 24 September 2026, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said France welcomed EU restrictive measures against Xenia Fedorova, and the Minister for Defence said Australia signed a security agreement with Ukraine. HM Government condemned Russian activity at the OSCE, while the Danish Defence Intelligence Service assessed that Russia was likely to increase hybrid pressure on NATO and the West.
Key Statistics
- $60 million in additional Australian support for Ukraine, according to the Minister for Defence
- Nearly $1.9 billion in total Australian support for Ukraine, according to the Minister for Defence
- More than 1,900 Russia-related sanctions imposed by Australia, according to the Minister for Defence
- More than 300 shadow fleet vessels listed under Australian measures, according to the Minister for Defence
- 1,500,000 Russian casualties cited in the UK OSCE statement, according to HM Government
- 42,000 Russian casualties in August cited in the UK OSCE statement, according to HM Government
Main Body
On 24 September 2026, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said France welcomed EU restrictive measures against Xenia Fedorova, whom it described as a Russian influence actor active in France. On the same day, the Minister for Defence said Australia and Ukraine signed a bilateral security agreement, while HM Government told the OSCE that Russia was widening insecurity.
According to the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the EU measures froze Fedorova’s assets, barred EU citizens and companies from providing her funds or resources, and blocked her entry into or transit through the EU. The Minister for Defence said Australia would provide another $60 million, join a coalition supporting Ukraine’s navy, and had imposed further sanctions on Russia.
The announcements followed related government messaging. On 23 September 2026, the Minister for Foreign Affairs said the Australia-Ukraine agreement formed part of long-term cooperation and support. On 17 September 2026, HM Government said Russia’s threat extended beyond Ukraine and cited intensified drone and missile attacks.
The practical significance was the combination of diplomatic restriction, military support and threat assessment. The Danish Defence Intelligence Service assessed on 24 September 2026 that Russia was likely to escalate hybrid warfare against NATO and the West, with a low but rising risk of limited military attacks on a NATO country. That assessment gave European governments an operational basis for vigilance while Ukraine’s partners continued security assistance and sanctions pressure.
