Albanese considers deploying Australian peacekeeping troops to Ukraine

Albanese open to considering Australian peacekeeping troops for Ukraine amid ongoing military support discussions.

In Short

Anthony Albanese has indicated that Australia is open to sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine while continuing to support the nation with military aid. Opposition leader Peter Dutton disagrees, advocating for military support instead and emphasising that European nations should be responsible for their own defence.

Anthony Albanese has indicated that Australia may consider sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.

During a press conference in Sydney, the Prime Minister stated he is “open” to evaluating requests for assistance. Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s support for Ukraine, highlighting the country’s struggle for sovereignty and adherence to international law.

Australia has already contributed $1.5 billion to Ukraine, primarily for military aid.

Discussions regarding potential peacekeeping involvement are ongoing, although no final decisions have been reached.

Albanese mentioned that Australia has a history of participating in peacekeeping missions globally. He emphasised the need to ensure that Russia’s actions are neither rewarded nor encouraged. Government sources suggest that if Australian troops are deployed, they would serve under the UN peacekeeping force.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer proposed a “coalition of the willing” to potentially deploy 30,000 European peacekeepers in Ukraine.

Starmer’s initiative aims to deter further aggression from Russia. In response, opposition leader Peter Dutton expressed his opposition to sending Australian troops, advocating instead for ongoing military support and training for Ukrainian forces.

Dutton highlighted the importance of European nations taking responsibility for their own defence.