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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that Australia will “consider peacekeeping proposals”, in the first major validation that Australian Defence Force troops could be sent to Ukraine.
The Prime Minister made the comments during a press conference in Sydney today, following recent discussion from European allies that peacekeeping operations are being explored for Ukraine.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has recently stated that Europe is considering such operations under a Ukraine peace plan being drawn up and presented to the US government.
“Well, our position on Ukraine is very clear. We stand with the people of Ukraine and we stand with President Zelenskyy,’’ Prime Minister Albanese said.
“There’s discussion at the moment about potential peacekeeping. And from my government’s perspective, we’re open to consideration of any proposals going forward.
“Australia has historically played an important role in areas including in Africa, in Cyprus, in a range of peacekeeping areas.
“The brave struggle of the people of Ukraine to defend their natural sovereignty … Australia stands ready to assist.
“We want to see peace in Ukraine. But we want to make sure the illegal, immoral actions of Russia are not rewarded, and that Vladimir Putin and his designs that are imperialistic are not rewarded or encouraged.”
Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton confirmed that he would not like to “see boots on the ground in Ukraine”, in reply to the Prime Minister’s comments.
Dutton also reportedly added that Australia should continue its training support to Ukraine but “Europeans have the task to do more in the defence of Europe”.
