Australia's contribution to future peacekeeping effort in Ukraine would be 'small'

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday said his country's contribution to a future peacekeeping effort in Ukraine would be "small."

His remarks come amid the opposition's demand that Australian troops should not be dispatched to Ukraine, local broadcaster SBS News reported.

Albanese joined a phone hook-up overnight that was chaired by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, bringing together a so-called "coalition of the willing"—some 29 Western nations, including the leaders of Canada, New Zealand, and Europe. It also included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy but excluded the US.

Planning for a peacekeeping force for Ukraine will move to an "operational phase," Starmer said, as he sought concrete commitments to support Kyiv and urged allies to ramp up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Speaking to reporters in Melbourne on Sunday, Albanese said that Australia may send a “small contribution” of peacekeepers to Ukraine if asked, but it was premature to discuss the details before Russia agrees to a ceasefire agreement.

He said Russia must agree to a ceasefire in order to pave a pathway for peace.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has dismissed the idea of sending Australian troops as part of a peacekeeping force, insisting Canberra should continue to support Ukraine but that providing ground troops is a "job for European nations, not Australia."

Earlier, in a statement following his call with the "coalition of the willing," Albanese said Australia stands in solidarity with Ukraine and "will continue to do so for as long as it takes."

Albanese said Putin's regime has "imperialist designs for Ukraine and beyond."

"We must ensure Russia's illegal and immoral actions are not rewarded through any peace process," he said.

Australia has committed $1.5 billion to help Ukraine defend itself, including $1.3 billion in military support and equipment.​​​​​​​