Synopsis
On March 15, Australian PM Anthony Albanese reaffirmed steadfast support for Ukraine at a 'Coalition of Willing' meeting, emphasizing Australia's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and regional stability. He announced $1.5 billion in support and highlighted the importance of international law amidst bipartisan debates on Australia's role in the conflict.Key Takeaways
- Australia pledges $1.5 billion to support Ukraine.
- Albanese emphasizes the importance of international law.
- Pressure on Russia is crucial for peace negotiations.
- Bipartisan divisions emerge over Australia’s involvement.
- Australia has a history of supporting international peacekeeping.
Canberra, March 15 (NationPress) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday reaffirmed his unwavering support for Ukraine, emphasizing that Australia will stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary as it is in their national interest. Albanese participated in a virtual meeting of the 'Coalition of Willing', which was hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaders from Europe, Canada, and New Zealand.
In the aftermath of the meeting, Albanese released an official statement declaring that the leaders have agreed to persist in delivering tangible actions to support Ukraine, both now and in the future. He remarked that Australia stands with Ukraine because events in the Euro-Atlantic region have significant repercussions for the Indo-Pacific and vice versa. He described this as a struggle not merely for Ukraine's sovereignty but for the international rule of law.
Australia has extended its support towards all meaningful progress for a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine and enhanced security in Europe. Albanese remarked that pressure must be applied on Russia to engage in good faith negotiations. He mentioned that Australia is always open to evaluating new proposals that could assist Ukraine based on Australia's capacity and comparative strengths.
"Australia has committed $1.5 billion to bolster Ukraine's self-defense, which includes $1.3 billion in military aid, as well as essential equipment and the training of Ukrainian forces. Australia is willing to consider any requests for contributions to a future peacekeeping mission aimed at achieving the just and enduring peace we all desire for Ukraine. We have a rich history of supporting peace through eighty years of involvement in international peacekeeping missions. Naturally, peacekeeping missions require an essential precondition of peace," Albanese stated.
Albanese's willingness to support Ukraine has sparked a bipartisan divide within the nation. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Opposition Leader and Prime Ministerial candidate for the upcoming elections, Peter Dutton, asserted that Australia should refrain from involvement, criticizing PM Albanese for "shooting from the hip".
"It simply doesn't add up. Our duty is to safeguard our country and ensure our safety in the region. We have been supporting Ukraine from the outset. However, not with troops on the ground. This was a mere thought by the Prime Minister,” Australian Broadcasting Corporation quoted Dutton as saying.
Recently, the Russian Embassy in Canberra also issued a warning of "serious consequences" if Australia joined a proposed "coalition of the willing" by the United Kingdom and France to ensure Ukraine's security in case of a peace agreement. "Once again, Western boots on the ground are unacceptable for Russia, and we will not remain passive observers. To those who might interpret this as a threat: it is not; it is a warning. Russia has no intention of harming Australians, and Canberra can easily avoid trouble by simply refraining from irresponsible adventurism in the zone of the special military operation," the Russian Embassy in Canberra stated.
