Ukraine invasion: ‘This is not a European problem, this is a global problem’

Member of the EU parliament, David Lega, says Australia should commit armed forces to Europe to show solidarity with Western nations.

Firefighters work at a damaged residential building at Koshytsa Street, a suburb of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, where a military shell allegedly hit. Picture: AFP

Member of the EU parliament, David Lega, says Australia should commit armed forces to Europe to show solidarity with Western nations and send Russia a “strong message” over the Ukrainian invasion.

The Swedish politician, who was this week part of an EU delegation visiting Australia to meet with the eSafety Commissioner, said the invasion of Ukraine would “change Europe” and be taken as a “blueprint” by China.

“It’s horrible what’s taking place in Europe, an invasion on this scale is catastrophic. There will be so much unnecessary suffering and death,” Mr Lega, who sits on the EU’s committee on foreign affairs and committee of human rights, said.

“This is not a European problem, this is a global problem.

“China is watching every second right now and this is a blueprint for them to do the same regarding Taiwan.

“This new-found friendship between Xi Jinping and Putin is really dangerous.”

It comes as the Ukraine death toll passed 130 on Thursday night, with hundreds more wounded.

Scott Morrison said the government was working with NATO to consider the best ways to support Ukraine but had already sent medical supplies and nonlethal military equipment.

“We can provide nonlethal military equipment and medical supplies to support the people of Ukraine,” the Prime Minister said.

“We are a long way from Ukraine and the most effective way ... to be doing that is through our NATO partners.”

The government ruled out sending troops to join the war and has instead slapped sanctions on Russian industry and members of its parliament.

While cautioning against sending armed forces into Ukraine, Mr Lega said troops could be sent to surrounding areas in support of western European nations.

“Sending troops into Ukraine needs to be very carefully considered,” he said.

“However, sending troops to Europe, to show solidarity and support could be a very important and strong message to Russia.”

Mr Lega said while he failed to see how Russian President Vladimir Putin could be successful in the current conflict given the countries standing against him, the war could serve as a distraction to the benefit of China.

“With this action no one thinks about Uighurs or the freedom fighters in Hong Kong or Taiwan’s push for independence,” he said. “So in some way, this has been effective for both China and Russia.”

Defence Minister Peter Dutton on Friday urged China to dissuade Mr Putin from continuing the invasion of Ukraine and said it was “unacceptable” Mr Xi had not done more.

Mr Morison said rather than putting economic pressure on Russia, China had eased all trade restrictions.

“You don’t go and throw a lifeline to Russia in the middle of a period when they’re invading another country,” he said.

Mr Lega said he was seriously concerned for his family in Sweden, which is just 700km from the Ukrainian border.