Anthony Albanese has joined Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer in discussions regarding the conclusion of Russia’s war in Ukraine. They are examining proposals for an international peacekeeping force in the event that a ceasefire is negotiated. This follows Albanese’s recent telephone conversation with Donald Trump before a possible meeting in Washington D.C. later this month.
Present at the Ukraine meeting alongside President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, global leaders discussed ongoing support for Ukraine’s resistance to Moscow’s invasion and plans for peace, pending a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Macron and Starmer are leading the group, which also includes the leaders of New Zealand and Canada. Collective leaders affirmed their commitment to stand by Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”
Albanese stated that Australia will stand by Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s unlawful and immoral invasion, and along with its partners, will pursue a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy has welcomed these discussions as a significant and practical step towards peace. Macron specified that international forces would not be on the front lines but would work to prevent any new major aggression.
Albanese has not ruled out the possibility of Australian troops joining European forces in Ukraine. The prime minister will likely also be visiting Starmer in London following his trip to the US.
Additionally, the phone call between Albanese and Trump discussed trade, shared security interests, and economic ties.
The Australian government hopes to meet Trump in person during the UN general assembly meeting, pending a meeting previously scheduled for June at the G7 summit.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/05/albanese-phone-call-trump-australia-ukraine-coalition-of-the-willing
