Albanese to Join Global Peace Talks on Ukraine

The meeting, scheduled for the weekend, will also include leaders from New Zealand, Canada, and various European nations.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media during a press conference in Sydney, Australia on March 12, 2025. AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed his participation in a meeting organised by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine.

The meeting, scheduled for the weekend, will also include leaders from New Zealand, Canada, and various European nations.

“In order to have a peacekeeping mission, you need to have peace. So we look forward to there being peace in Ukraine but we don’t have to think very hard about which side we’re on in this conflict,” Albanese said.

During a press conference at Curtin University in Perth, Albanese labelled the war “illegal” and “immoral,” stating that it could end “tomorrow” if Russia decided.

He further explained that the conflict represents both a fight for Ukraine’s national sovereignty and a struggle for the rule of international law, which has garnered overwhelming support from democratic nations worldwide.

“This is a struggle for national sovereignty for the Ukrainian people but also a struggle for the rule of international law that is so important. That’s why you have such overwhelming support from democratic nations,” Albanese said.

He added that he is looking forward to re-engaging with President [Volodymyr] Zelensky and other democratic leaders.

“I won’t pre-empt what comes out of that meeting, but Australia has, of course, stood with Ukraine since the beginning of this process,” he added.

Bipartisan Shift and Dutton’s Opposition

Albanese also hinted that his government may consider sending personnel for peacekeeping missions in Ukraine. However, the Coalition, led by Peter Dutton, has expressed strong opposition to sending Australian troops.

“It appears that Mr. Dutton has walked away from that. That’s a decision for him,” Albanese said.

Dutton responded by recalling his previous support for Ukraine and rejecting the idea of Australian troops on the ground.

“I was incredibly proud to stand with the Ukraine ambassador to put the first load of Bushmasters into Ukraine, and we should continue to support Ukraine, but not with troops on the ground in Ukraine. This was a thought bubble by the Prime Minister,” Dutton said.

Russia Issues Warning Over Further Support

The Russian embassy in Australia responded sharply to ongoing Australian support, issuing a statement warning against further contributions to the war effort, which has already included over $1.5 billion in aid.

“To those inclined to construe the above as a threat: it is not. It is a warning. Russia has no intention to harm Australians,” the statement said.

In response, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Australia’s position.

“Our message to Russia is: end your illegal invasion of Ukraine. We won’t be intimidated from working towards a just peace for the people of Ukraine,” the spokesperson told The Epoch Times.