Australia Open to Sending Troops to Ukraine in Future Peacekeeping Mission

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signaled that his government is open to considering a proposal to send troops to Ukraine as part of a multinational peacekeeping force, a shift from previous statements that ruled out such a deployment, said the Guardian on March 4.

The potential for Australian involvement follows discussions among European nations, led by the United Kingdom and France, about forming a “coalition of the willing” to enforce a future peace deal in Ukraine.

Albanese addressed the issue during a press conference in Sydney on Tuesday, reiterating Australia’s support for Ukraine.

“We stand with President Zelenskyy and the brave struggle of the people of Ukraine to defend their natural sovereignty,” Albanese said. He emphasized Ukraine’s role in upholding international law and stated that “Australia stands ready to assist.” Australia has provided $1.5 billion in aid to Ukraine, with $1.3 billion allocated for military assistance.

Albanese said his government was “open to consideration” of any formal proposal regarding an Australian military contribution.

“There’s discussion at the moment about potential peacekeeping, and from my government’s perspective, we’re open to consideration of any proposals going forward, as Australia has historically played an important role in … a range of peacekeeping areas,” he said.

The prime minister stressed that no formal request had been made and that no proposal was currently under consideration.

“We haven’t been asked for anything,” he said. “There are proposals being discussed. If a request is made, we would give consideration to it.”

Albanese’s remarks mark the most assertive stance from the Australian government so far regarding the possibility of a military deployment to Ukraine.

As of Monday, a government spokesperson maintained that “the deployment of Australian troops to support peacekeeping forces in Ukraine is not under consideration at this time.” Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy added: “We’re not envisaging that sort of commitment.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, when asked whether Australia should consider sending troops, responded: “The short answer is no.”

Meanwhile, Australia’s ambassador to the U.S., Kevin Rudd, reaffirmed the strength of the alliance between Canberra and Washington, saying during a panel discussion in Washington, D.C., that the relationship “extends beyond individual presidents and prime ministers.”

Earlier, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the formation of a “Coalition of the Willing,” a group of countries supporting Ukraine and engaging in peace negotiations. Led by the UK, the coalition is expected to include France, Germany, and Scandinavian nations.