Australian Opposition Says Europe Needs to ‘Step Up’ Following Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also said there was no need for Australia to send troops to the Ukraine

President Donald Trump greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in Washington on Feb. 28, 2025. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

Australia’s Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says it is important for European nations to “step up”  following the fiery exchange between the U.S. and Ukrainian leaders at the White House.

The Trump administration is moving to broker a critical minerals deal with Ukraine as part of a wider move towards stopping the Russia-Ukraine War.

Dutton, who will shortly face a showdown with Labor leader Anthony Albanese at an election, said everyone wants peace across the world.

“The United States has an incredibly important role to play in the world, but it can’t be everywhere at once, and I think it’s important for Europe to step up,” Dutton told reporters.

“It seems that that’s what’s happening at the moment. [UK Prime Minister] Keir Starmer’s leadership, and the way in which he’s been able to bring NATO countries together to provide that support across Europe, I think, is important.”

Dutton said the European nations, particularly the bigger nations, can’t continue to rely for financial support or military support from the United States.

“They need to chip in themselves. I think President [Donald] Trump’s made this clear in the 45th presidency, and now newly-elected as well,” he added.

The opposition leader said he was “disappointed” by the scenes out of the White House and believes Zelenskyy needs the support of European countries, the United States and Australia.

“Australia is a well-respected international player, we have a defence force the envy of the world, we do need to provide more support to the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, but we need to recognise also that European nations need to invest more heavily in their own defences and the defences right across Europe,” Dutton said.

Dutton said there was no need for Australia to send troops to the Ukraine, but should continue support.

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton talks to media at the Coffee Commune during a visit in Brisbane, Australia on Feb. 17, 2025. AAP Image/Jono Searle

What Happened at the White House?

The meeting between Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy began with optimism to sign-off on a critical minerals deal that would open the door for U.S. mining businesses to set up in east Ukraine.

However, the meeting turned into a public spat after Zelenskyy asked Vice President J.D. Vance in front of the cameras whether Putin could be trusted.

Vance said it was “disrespectful” for Zelenskyy to come to the Oval office and try to litigate this in front of the American media. He said Zelenskyy should be thanking the U.S. president for trying to bring an end to the conflict.

Trump warned Zelenskyy that his country was “not in a very good position.”

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Feb. 28, 2025. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

“You’re not acting at all thankful,” and said, “You’re gambling with World War III.”

In the aftermath of the meeting, Trump posted to Truth social on March 1.

“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure,” he wrote.

The U.S. president said it was amazing what comes out through emotion and also had a warning for Zelenskyy.

“I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations,” Trump said.

“I don’t want advantage, I want peace. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace.”

Labor Remains Committed to Ukraine

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remains committed to Ukraine.

Albanese said the “brave people of Ukraine”  led “so extraordinarily” by President Zelenskyy were fighting for their national sovereignty and democracy

“They are fighting for the international rule of law. And it is an easy choice that Australia has made. It’s a bipartisan position that Australia has had. We’ve contributed one and a half billion dollars of support, $1.3 billion of which is military support,” the prime minister said.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek also reiterated Australia “absolutely stands with Ukraine”  during an interview with Sunrise.

“We absolutely reject the idea that Russia was not the aggressor here. It is very plain that the Russian invasion was illegal and immoral. We continue to stand with Ukraine. I’m pleased to see European leaders reiterate that on the weekend,” she said.

Zelenskyy Now Claiming He is Ready to Sign a Deal

Despite the public disagreement and no deal being signed on Feb. 28, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters on March 2 in London that the minerals deal is “ready” to be signed.

The plan is aimed at creating a future buffer zone against Russia—Putin would never attack U.S. citizens—and try to stimulate the Ukrainian economy, while also giving the United States a return on the billions it has contributed to the war effort already.

“The agreement that’s on the table will be signed if the parties are ready,” Zelenskyy told reporters.

“It is our policy to continue what happened in the past, we’re constructive. If we agreed to sign the minerals deal, we’re ready to sign it.”