The Australian government is open to sending personnel to support future peacekeeping operations.
The day after the Russian embassy in Canberra issued a warning to Australia to stay away from the Ukraine conflict, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded that they would not be threatened.
“The message to Russia is to end the illegal invasion of Ukraine. We do not threaten working towards just peace for the Ukrainian people,” the department told the Epoch Times.
A spokesperson said Australia has a proud tradition of supporting peace and has an 80-year international peacekeeping mission.
“Australia said that if they receive requests to support a peacekeeping mission, they will consider that,” the spokesman pointed out.
The Russian Embassy has issued a statement warning Australia about its further contribution to war efforts in Ukraine. It already sends support, including over $1.5 billion in weapons and equipment.
“For those who tend to interpret the above as a threat, that’s not the case. That’s a warning. Russia has no intention of harming Australians,” the embassy said.
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“Canberra can easily avoid trouble by simply refraining from irresponsible adventurism in a special zone of military operations.”
In December, Ukrainian President Voldy Mie Zelensky said 43,000 Ukrainians have been killed in the war since the start of February 24, 2022.
Albanese is open to Ukraine’s peacekeeping mission
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government would consider sending personnel to support peacekeeping missions.
“I have certainly said very clearly, publicly and repeatedly that I am considering taking part in Ukraine’s peacekeeping mission,” Albanese told reporters on March 9.
“You can’t have a peacekeeping force without peace, but moving forward is important, it’s important that you have a plan and Australia join that meeting.”
The prime minister said his government would join Europe’s “rejoiced coalition” against Russian invasion.
Albanese said it was too early to make a decision about the military, but sent representatives to discuss Ukraine’s security strategies at a meeting of European defence chiefs.
Meanwhile, Opposition leader Peter Dutton told ABC News that Australian forces rejected the idea on the ground in Ukraine, “I think Europeans have that job, but what Donald Trump pointed out is that Europeans need to do more in the defense of Europe.”
Dutton has previously sought further Australian military support for Ukraine, including equipment, supply and aid.
He, along with Shadow Ministers David Coleman and Andrew Hasey, criticized the Albanese government’s response as slow and insufficient.
