Trade Minister Don Farrell has described the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia as “Australia’s fight” amid consideration of peacekeeping efforts in the region.
It comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined a meeting about the “Coalition of the Willing” to discuss efforts to provide support for Ukraine in a peacekeeping mission.
Leaders from the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada and New Zealand agreed to work on delivering concrete actions to support Ukraine.
Following the meeting, Mr Farrell expressed his government’s belief that Ukraine was not a European issue but one that directly impacts Australia’s interests.
“It’s Australia’s fight. It is Australia’s fight…It’s in our interest to defend democracy in Ukraine,” Mr Farrell said.
Mr Farrell further explained that should the United Kingdom request Australian troops for a peacekeeping mission, it would be “the right thing to do”.
“If we can make a contribution to that peacekeeping effort, then I think we should… Australia supports the Ukrainian fight,” he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also highlighted that this conflict extends beyond the borders of Ukraine following his meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“This is a struggle not just for the people of Ukraine and their national sovereignty. This is a struggle for the international rule of law,” Mr Albanese said.
He said it was “premature” to talk about the details about any peacekeeping force given there was not yet any peace in the region.
“You need peace to have a peacekeeping force, and the participants last night were all committed to peace in Ukraine. In order to achieve that, Russia must agree to a ceasefire,” he said.
Australia has already committed significant support to Ukraine, pledging $1.5 billion in aid, including $1.3 billion in military assistance.
Meanwhile, the opposition has expressed support for Ukraine but argued that Mr Albanese has made the wrong call by considering providing troops.
“We will always stand with Ukraine against the illegal and immoral invasion,” Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told Sunday Agenda.
“We think, though, that when it comes to boots on the ground, this is a matter better handled by Europe.”
