Australia considers deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine

Canberra is prepared to consider sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached to end the war that Russia unjustifiably started. Australia has confirmed its willingness to join a coalition of European countries should such a request be made.

“There’s a discussion at the moment about potential peacekeeping. From my government’s perspective, we’re open to consideration of any proposals going forward,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a news briefing in Sydney, according to broadcaster ABC.

Australia has already provided Ukraine with $1.4 billion in direct military assistance and continues to play a crucial role in supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion, Albanese said.

“We want to see peace in Ukraine, but we want to make sure that the illegal, immoral actions of Russia are not rewarded,” he said.

He further specified that Australia’s decision to send peacekeepers would not depend on the U.S. administration’s stance.

“Supporting Ukraine is a national interest for Australia,” Albanese said. “Australia independently determines its foreign policy, and supporting Kyiv is currently in line with our national interests.”

Australia announced its largest sanctions package against Russia in three years, targeting 70 individuals and 79 entities, on Feb. 24, on the third-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Meanwhile, a group of European countries is quietly developing a plan to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, according to the Associated Press. The UK, Türkiye, Sweden, and the Netherlands have publicly expressed their readiness to join the initiative.