Canberra: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has indicated that Australia is open to considering a role in a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, despite earlier government statements downplaying such a move.
Discussions among European leaders have been ongoing about forming a "coalition of the willing" to deploy troops in Ukraine to help oversee a potential peace agreement with Russia. However, Moscow has firmly rejected the idea of foreign forces on Ukrainian soil.
The issue has gained urgency following a shift in U.S. policy, with the Trump administration pausing military aid to Kyiv after a high-profile clash between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
On Monday, an Australian government spokesperson stated that while proposals on Ukraine would be considered, deploying Australian troops "is not under consideration at this time." However, by Tuesday, Albanese had taken a more open stance, citing Australia’s past involvement in peacekeeping missions and affirming the country's commitment to supporting Ukraine.
"There is an ongoing discussion about peacekeeping, and our government is open to considering any proposals that arise," Albanese said. He also emphasized Australia’s history of peacekeeping efforts in regions such as Africa and Cyprus.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, welcomed Australia's growing commitment, saying the international community must step up in response to the U.S.'s evolving global role.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has consistently supported military aid for Ukraine but expressed skepticism about deploying Australian troops as peacekeepers. He argued that the responsibility should lie with European nations.
"I don’t believe we should have boots on the ground in Ukraine. That is a task for Europe," Dutton said. He also echoed Trump’s stance that European nations must do more to bolster their own defense.
