Australia Considers Joining Ukraine Peacekeeping Effort After Ceasefire
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signals potential Australian involvement, emphasizing national interest and international rule of law.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated Australia may contribute to a Ukraine peacekeeping force if a ceasefire is reached, but emphasized it is too early to discuss specifics.
- The announcement followed a virtual meeting of the 'Coalition of the Willing,' led by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and including leaders from Europe, Canada, New Zealand, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Albanese reiterated Australia's commitment to Ukraine, describing the conflict as a fight for international rule of law and highlighting its implications for the Indo-Pacific region.
- Australia has provided $1.5 billion in support to Ukraine, with $1.3 billion allocated to military aid, including equipment and training for Ukrainian forces.
- Opposition leaders in Australia expressed skepticism about deploying peacekeepers, suggesting such efforts should be managed by European nations and raising concerns about regional security priorities.
The Guardian 
