Anthony Albanese says he’s ‘open’ to sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine

Anthony Albanese has made a stunning admission while discussing Australia’s role in supporting war-torn Ukraine.

Anthony Albanese has flagged the prospect of Australia sending peace-keeping troops to Ukraine, declaring he is “open” to considering any requests for help.

The Prime Minister revealed the proposal was under consideration at a press conference in Sydney this morning but stopped short of saying any final decisions had been made.

“Well, our position on Ukraine is very clear. We stand with the people of Ukraine and we stand with President Zelenskyy,’’ he said.

Anthony Albanese has flagged the prospect of Australia sending peace-keeping troops to Ukraine. Picture: Nikki Short

The Prime Minister revealed the proposal was under consideration at a press conference in Sydney. Picture: Toby Melville / POOL / AFP

“And the brave struggle of the people of Ukraine to defend their natural sovereignty, but also what they’ve fighting for is the international rule of law.

“Now Australia stands ready to assist. We have contributed $1.5 billion with $1.3 billion for military assistance directly.

“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, as Australia has historically played an important role in areas including in Africa, in Cyprus, in a range of peacekeeping areas.

“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.”

In the most forward-leaning statements today on the possibility of a peacekeeping role, Mr Albanese stressed no final decisions had been made.

“We haven’t been asked for anything, there’s proposals discussed,’’ he said.

“If a request is made, we would give consideration to it. With regard to the US, the US is an important ally of Australia. It’s an alliance between our nations. With regard to Australia’s foreign policy, Australia determines our foreign policy. It’s in Australia’s national interest to stand with Ukraine and that’s what our government is doing.”

Government sources say if Australia does contribute to a peacekeeping force they would go in the “blue beret” of the UN peacekeeping force. Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, Britain’s Keir Starmer and France’s Emmanuel Macron embrace this week after talks. Picture: JUSTIN TALLIS / POOL / AFP)

Brits propose “coalition of the willing”

Government sources say if Australia does contribute to a peacekeeping force they would go in the “blue beret” of the UN peacekeeping force.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proposed the deployment of around 30,000 European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine.

Overnight, Mr Starmer told the British Parliament that a “coalition of the willing” could provide boots on the ground in Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.

“The UK is prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air, together with others. Europe must do the heavy lifting,’’ he said.

The Coalition of the Willing phrase was a central theme of Sir Keir Starmer’s speech after European leaders gathered in London for crucial talks about Ukraine’s future.

Led by the UK and France, the initiative could see troops from a number of European and NATO countries deployed to Ukraine as peacekeepers in order to deter Vladimir Putin from rearming and attacking again in the future.

Duttton won’t support boots on the ground

In reaction to Mr Albanese’s comments, Mr Dutton said he did not support putting Australian troops on the ground despite being “honest and upfront in our support and very proud of our support of Ukraine from day one.”

That’s a serious barrier to sending Australian troops as part of a peacekeeping force on the eve of an election, considering the government could be entering caretaker mode within days.

“We should continue to provide support to Ukraine. We have been involved in training and providing support to Ukraine soldiers and I think that should continue,’’ Mr Dutton said.

“In terms of if we should have boots on the ground, in Ukraine, I don’t see that. I think the Europeans have that task but what Donald Trump pointed out is the Europeans need to do more in the defence of Europe and that is a statement of the obvious.

“The Americans have a focus on other theatres and areas of engagement and that is appropriate and I think the fact that NATO countries are spending more or are committing to spending more in their defence budget is a good thing and I commend Keir Starmer for his leadership.”