Coalition's backflip on Ukraine troops

Perth Now

a day ago

The opposition is open to sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, marking a significant shift from its position before the federal election in May.
Under former leader Peter Dutton, who was unseated in the vote, the Coalition was firmly against the move.
It argued Russia's forces violently inching their way across Ukraine was Europe's problem and criticised Anthony Albanese for saying his government would consider peacekeeping requests put forward once the fighting stopped.
But with Sussan Ley now leader, the Coalition has taken a different view.
Opposition finance spokesman James Paterson said on Tuesday Australia 'should consider' joining peacekeeping efforts. Opposition finance spokesman James Paterson says Australia 'should consider' joining peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine. Jason Edwards / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia
'Of course, what we need for peace in Ukraine is for Vladimir Putin and Russia to end their illegal invasion,' Senator Paterson told the ABC.
'And it's very clear that if there is to be a durable peace, that security guarantees for Ukraine are going to be necessary.
'Now, that would have to be led by the United States and European partners.
'But if Australia is invited to play a role in that, then we should consider whether we can make a constructive contribution to that.'
Pressed further, he said Australia was 'clearly not a central player in this conflict, but we do have a very strong interest in making sure that this isn't just a pause in Vladimir Putin's war that is resumed at a later date'.
'We want it to be long-lasting,' Senator Paterson said.
'Very clearly, the heavy lifting would be done by NATO in this instance, but we are a partner of NATO, and if we're asked to make a contribution, we should consider it.'
'Proud history'
A spokesperson for the Opposition Leader reaffirmed that the Coalition 'unequivocally supports Ukraine in its fight against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion' and that it would 'work constructively with the government in our national interest when it comes to our international relationships'.
'With respect to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine we will assess any concrete proposals the government brings forward and put them through our internal processes,' the spokesperson said.
'Australia has a proud history of contributing to peacekeeping operations across the world.' Russia's latest strike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv has killed at least seven people, including two children. State Emergency Service of Ukraine / Handout Credit: Supplied Kharkiv is Ukraine's second-largest city and has been under near daily bombardment since the invasion. State Emergency Service of Ukraine / Handout Credit: Supplied
European leaders have asked and the Prime Minister has joined a British and French-led initiative.
But any peacekeeping missions would not happen until there is peace to keep – a prospect seemingly far-fetched against a background daily destruction.
Just overnight, authorities said a Russian strike on Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, killed seven people, including two children.
Despite that, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emerged from talks with Donald Trump positive.
The US President is trying to tee-up a trilateral chat with their Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
Mr Zelenskyy said they 'discussed security guarantees', calling it 'a starting point towards ending the war'.
'We appreciate the important signal from the United States regarding its readiness to support and be part of these guarantees,' he posted on social media.
Ukraine has lost nearly 400,000 troops since Russia invaded in February 2022, according to research from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The think tank put the death toll at just under 1 million for Russia.