Australia Open to Considering Peacekeeping Troops in Ukraine: Albanese

Key Takeaways

Australia is considering peacekeeping troop deployment in Ukraine.
PM Anthony Albanese emphasized military support of $1.5 billion.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton doubts the necessity of troops.
Europeans are urged to take a larger role in their defense.
US aid to Ukraine is currently suspended pending commitments.

Canberra, Mar 4 (NationPress) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Tuesday that his administration is receptive to exploring the nation's participation in any peacekeeping initiative in Ukraine.

During a press briefing in Sydney, PM Albanese remarked, "Australia is prepared to support Ukraine. We have allocated $1.5 billion, including $1.3 billion specifically for military aid. Discussions are currently underway regarding potential peacekeeping efforts. From my government's viewpoint, we are open to considering any proposals moving forward."

He further stated, "Regarding our relationship with the United States, the US is a significant ally of Australia. This alliance has remained steadfast since its inception. In terms of Australia’s foreign policy, we formulate it to serve our national interests, and it is in our national interest to support Ukraine, which is precisely what my government is doing."

In contrast, opposition leader and Prime Ministerial candidate Peter Dutton expressed skepticism about Australia's role in deploying troops for a peacekeeping mission, echoing former US President Donald Trump's assertion that Europeans should enhance their defensive efforts in Europe.

Dutton was quoted by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation saying, "Regarding the deployment of troops in Ukraine, I do not envision that. I believe the Europeans have that responsibility, and what President Trump has indicated is that Europeans need to contribute more to the defense of Europe, which is a clear statement of the obvious."

European leaders are contemplating sending troops to Ukraine as part of a "coalition of the willing" to assist and uphold a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. Russia has previously indicated its opposition to the presence of European forces on Ukrainian soil.

This consideration arose after tensions between the United States and Ukraine intensified following a recent confrontation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Trump in Washington.

Reports from multiple US media outlets indicate that Trump has suspended all aid to Ukraine until it is determined that Zelensky is committed to resolving the conflict with Russia.