Russia Strongly Warns Australia
Political
Russia has warned that sending Australian peacekeeping troops to Ukraine could lead to serious consequences but emphasized that this is not a threat.
The Australian government is considering a proposal to send peacekeeping forces to the war-affected region as part of a "coalition of the willing" proposed by European leaders.
In a statement to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Russian embassy in Australia stressed that Australia’s participation in such a coalition "would have grave consequences."
"Russia has repeatedly stated that the presence of foreign military forces in Ukraine is absolutely unacceptable. Therefore, the idea of deploying Western military contingents under the guise of peacekeepers is aimed at undermining peace efforts."
"For Australia, joining the so-called 'coalition of the willing' will result in serious consequences. Once again, Western boots on the ground are unacceptable for Russia, and we will not remain passive observers."
"If anyone wants to interpret this statement as a threat – it is not. It is a warning. Russia has no intention of harming Australians, and Canberra can easily avoid trouble by simply refraining from irresponsible interference in the special military operation zone," the statement said.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have not yet commented on the statement.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support for Ukraine, stating that Ukraine has been resisting Russia’s aggressive policies for over ten years, including a full-scale invasion over the past three years.
"We want peace in Ukraine, but we also need to ensure that Russia’s illegal and immoral actions are not rewarded. Vladimir Putin’s imperialistic ambitions must not be encouraged or legitimized," said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
However, he noted that Australia has not yet been formally asked to send troops. A government spokesperson stated, "The deployment of Australian troops to support peacekeeping forces in Ukraine is not currently under consideration." Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy added, "We are not envisioning such a commitment."
Since the war began, Australia has provided Ukraine with more than $1.5 billion in aid.
In a statement to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Russian embassy in Australia stressed that Australia’s participation in such a coalition "would have grave consequences."
"Russia has repeatedly stated that the presence of foreign military forces in Ukraine is absolutely unacceptable. Therefore, the idea of deploying Western military contingents under the guise of peacekeepers is aimed at undermining peace efforts."
"For Australia, joining the so-called 'coalition of the willing' will result in serious consequences. Once again, Western boots on the ground are unacceptable for Russia, and we will not remain passive observers."
"If anyone wants to interpret this statement as a threat – it is not. It is a warning. Russia has no intention of harming Australians, and Canberra can easily avoid trouble by simply refraining from irresponsible interference in the special military operation zone," the statement said.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have not yet commented on the statement.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support for Ukraine, stating that Ukraine has been resisting Russia’s aggressive policies for over ten years, including a full-scale invasion over the past three years.
"We want peace in Ukraine, but we also need to ensure that Russia’s illegal and immoral actions are not rewarded. Vladimir Putin’s imperialistic ambitions must not be encouraged or legitimized," said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
However, he noted that Australia has not yet been formally asked to send troops. A government spokesperson stated, "The deployment of Australian troops to support peacekeeping forces in Ukraine is not currently under consideration." Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy added, "We are not envisioning such a commitment."
Since the war began, Australia has provided Ukraine with more than $1.5 billion in aid.
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