Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles says peace must be supported in Ukraine, but “not on any terms.”
The defence minister’s comments follow news that U.S. President Donald Trump had negotiated a partial ceasefire with intentions to eventually implement a full ceasefire, and bring the fighting to an end.
Trump took to social media to say he had a “very good and productive” phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We agreed to an immediate ceasefire on all energy and infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a complete ceasefire and, ultimately, an end to this very horrible war between Russia and Ukraine,” he said.
“Many elements of a contract for peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end.
“That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of humanity, get the job done.”
Marles was asked if Putin could be trusted to stick to ceasefire plans.
“At the end of the day, [Putin is] the reason why this conflict started in the first place,” he said on ABC News Breakfast.
“He is the aggressor here. He is the one who has completely flouted the global rules-based order by the invasion of Ukraine in the first place.
“So, it’s very important that whatever is put in place absolutely holds Vladimir Putin to account.”
Marles also cautioned against Russia being “rewarded.”
“We do want to see peace, but it can’t be peace on any terms,” he told the Today Show program.
“At the end of the day, Russia are the aggressors here.
Tense Situation
Earlier in the month, Russia told Australia there would be “grave consequences” if Australian soldiers joined a peace-keeping mission put forward by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.“For Australia, joining the so-called coalition of the willing would entail grave consequences,” a statement from the Russian embassy said.
“Once again, Western boots on the ground are unacceptable for Russia, and we will not remain passive observers.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not ruled out the idea of sending in Australian peacekeepers to Ukraine, while Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has expressed a more cautious approach to the idea.
The Russian embassy spokesperson said its message to Australia was not a threat, but a warning.
“Russia has no intention to harm Australians, and Canberra can easily avoid trouble by simply refraining from irresponsible adventurism in the zone of the Special Military Operation,” they said.
