Russia has cautioned the Australian government that sending troops to Ukraine as part of an international peacekeeping force would result in “severe consequences”.
The Australian government is contemplating a proposal to contribute peacekeepers to the conflict-stricken region as part of a “coalition of the willing” conceptualized by European leaders. These troops would enforce any peace agreement reached between the two nations.
In a statement initially provided to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Russian embassy in Australia indicated that participating in the coalition “would lead to serious repercussions” for Australia.
Russia has consistently maintained that any foreign military presence in Ukraine is entirely unwelcome. Consequently, the idea of deploying Western military forces to Ukraine under the guise of peacekeepers is perceived as an attempt to undermine peace efforts. Canberra is seen as firmly aligned with the war efforts, alongside those in Europe who are betting on the continuation and escalation of the conflict despite the encouraging shifts towards peace negotiations, according to the statement.
Joining the so-called “coalition of the willing” would have severe consequences for Australia. Once again, having Western forces on the ground in Ukraine is not acceptable to Russia, and we will not remain passive observers.
To those who might interpret the above as a threat, it is not. It is a warning. Russia has no intention of causing harm to Australians, and Canberra can quite easily avoid troubles by simply refraining from irresponsible adventurism in the special military operation zone.
The foreign minister, Penny Wong, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been reached out for a response.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has repeatedly affirmed Australia’s commitment to Ukraine, which has gone through over 10 years of conflict with an expansionist Russian Federation and more than three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
We are currently discussing the possibility of peacekeeping, and from my government’s perspective, we are open to considering any proposals going forward, as Australia has historically played a significant role in various peacekeeping efforts, Albanese stated last week.
We want to see peace restored in Ukraine, but we want to ensure that Russia’s unlawful and immoral actions are not rewarded, and that Vladimir Putin and his imperialistic schemes are not encouraged or rewarded.
Last week, Albanese mentioned that Australia had not been formally requested to provide troops.
We have not been asked for anything,” he stated. “There are proposals being talked about. If a request is made, we would give consideration to it.
The “coalition of the willing” was proposed as a UK initiative by its Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, suggesting up to 30,000 peacekeeping troops from across Europe to be stationed in Ukraine as a deterrent against possible future Russian attacks or rearmament.
The UK is ready to contribute troops and planes, alongside other nations. Europe must take on this responsibility,” he said.
Australia’s support for Ukraine has reached over $1.5bn in aid since Russia’s invasion three years ago.
