- Anthony Albanese committed to maintaining his backing for Ukraine.
- Australia will be part of a 'coalition of the willing' along with 29 other countries.
- READ MORE: Russia issues chilling ultimatum to the West
- LISTEN: Trump, Zelensky, the surge of Europe’s Far Right, and what lies ahead for NATO – tune into Alas Vine & Hitchens on your preferred podcast platform.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Australia has reaffirmed its openness to participating in potential future peacekeeping efforts. Ukraine As Britain indicated that their plans are transitioning into an operational stage, they communicated this via a video conference with allied nations in the West.
On Saturday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer brought together what he called a 'coalition of the willing,' comprising around 29 Western nations, which included several European countries as well as Australia. Canada and New Zealand , but not including the US.
Mr Starmer stated that planning for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine will transition into an operational stage, as he pursued specific pledges to provide backing. Kyiv and encouraged partners to increase the pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin Putin .
Prime Minister Albanese stated that supporting Ukraine aligns with Australia's national interests.
'Australia is prepared to evaluate any proposals aimed at participating in a potential peacekeeping mission that would help achieve the fair and enduring peace we all desire for Ukraine,' stated Mr. Albanese.
'Australia remains ready to evaluate any fresh suggestions aimed at aiding Ukraine, contributing according to our capabilities and relative advantages.'
Mr Albanese's remark follows this incident. Moscow cautioned that any advance by pro-Ukraine nations to become part of 'the coalition of the willing' would lead to serious repercussions.
"Once more, having Western boots on the ground is unacceptable for Russia, and we won’t stay as indifferent spectators," stated the Russian Embassy.
'For those who might interpret the preceding statement as a threat: it is not one. It is merely a warning.'
Trade Minister Don Farrell stated that the result of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict had direct implications for Australia's interests.
"This is Australia's battle. It remains Australia's struggle. We have an interest in safeguarding democracy in Ukraine," he stated. Sky News .
Mr. Farrell even went so far as to state that regarding Deploying Australian troops on the ground in Ukraine as peacekeepers would be 'the right thing to do.'
"If we can contribute to this peacekeeping endeavor, I believe we should... Australia stands with Ukraine," he stated.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton However, he has rejected the notion of deploying Australian peacekeeping forces to Ukraine as merely a 'passing fancy.'
The conversation scheduled for Saturday follows an intense period of diplomatic efforts among European nations and their Western allies to explore avenues for supporting Ukraine. This initiative comes as former U.S. President Donald Trump shifted Washington’s earlier stance of backing Kyiv and initiated discussions aimed at achieving peace alongside Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy participated in the virtual gathering on Saturday where leaders committed to ramping up military assistance and intensifying economic penalties against Russia.
Mr Starmer indicated that the Kremlin's 'hesitation and procrastination' regarding Trump's ceasefire suggestion, along with Russia's 'ongoing savage assaults' on Ukraine, contradict President Putin's expressed wish for tranquility.
Mr Albanese stated that it goes beyond being merely about Ukraine's national sovereignty.
"This is a battle for global legal order," he stated.
'The events in the Euro-Atlantic area have significant repercussions for our region - the Indo-Pacific - and conversely, what occurs in the Indo-Pacific can greatly impact the Euro-Atlantic area as well.'
Mr. Albanese pointed out that Putin's government has 'expansionist ambitions' targeting Ukraine and other areas as well.
"We have to make sure that Russia’s unlawful and unethical acts do not receive validation through any peaceful resolution," he stated.
Australia has pledged $1.5 billion to assist Ukraine’s defense efforts, with $1.3 billion allocated for military aid and supplies like Bushmaster armored cars. Additionally, Australia has provided training for Ukrainian troops.
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