Australia Faces Russian Warnings Over Potential Peacekeeping Role in Ukraine

The Albanese government signals openness to joining an international peacekeeping coalition if a ceasefire is reached, despite Russian threats of 'grave consequences.'

• Russia has issued a stern warning to Australia, stating that deploying peacekeeping troops to Ukraine would lead to 'grave consequences' and is unacceptable to Moscow.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed willingness to consider joining a 'coalition of the willing' for peacekeeping in Ukraine, but no formal request has been made yet.
• Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized Australia’s long-standing commitment to peacekeeping and rejected Russia's attempts to intimidate the government.
• The proposed peacekeeping mission, led by European nations, would enforce any future ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia, with Australia potentially contributing troops or military aid.
• Opposition figures and experts remain divided on the issue, with concerns about national security priorities and the risks of deploying Australian forces to Eastern Europe.

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