# Russia warns Australia deploying peacekeeping troops to Ukraine would lead to ‘grave consequences’ | Australia news | The Guardian

Russia has warned the Australian government that deploying troops to  as part of an international peace-keeping operation would lead to “grave consequences”.

The Australian government is considering a proposal to send peacekeepers to the war-torn region as part of a “coalition of the willing” designed by European leaders. The troops would enforce any peace deal struck between the two nations.

In a statement, first provided to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Russian embassy in Australia said joining the coalition “would entail grave consequences” for Australia.

“Russia has repeatedly made it clear that foreign military presence in Ukraine is totally unacceptable. Therefore, the idea of deploying Western military contingents in Ukraine under the guise of peacekeepers is meant to undermine peace efforts. Canberra remains firmly on the side of war along with those in Europe who are betting on continuing and escalating the conflict despite encouraging shifts towards peace negotiations,” the statement said.

“For Australia, joining the so-called coalition of the willing would entail grave consequences. Once again, western boots on the ground are unacceptable for Russia, and we will not remain passive observers.

“To those inclined to construe the above as a threat: it is not. It is 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.”

In response to the Russian statement, the foreign minister Penny Wong said Australia has a “proud tradition of supporting peace” as part of international peace-keeping missions.

“Such a mission does not yet exist in Ukraine, where Russia continues its brutal and unjustified war,” she said. “Australia has said that if we receive a request to support a peacekeeping mission, we’ll consider it.

“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 prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has repeatedly , which has endured more than 10 years of war with an  and more than three since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

“There’s discussion at the moment about potential peacekeeping, and from my government’s perspective, we’re open to consideration of any proposals going forward, as Australia has historically played an important role in … a range of peace-keeping areas,” Albanese said last week.

“We want to see peace in Ukraine, but we want to make sure the illegal, immoral actions of Russia are not rewarded, and that Vladimir Putin and his designs, which are imperialistic, are not rewarded or encouraged.”

Last week, Albanese said Australia had not been formally asked to contribute troops.

“We haven’t been asked for anything,” he said. “There are proposals being discussed. If a request is made, we would give consideration to it.”

A day earlier,  the “deployment of Australian troops to support peacekeeping forces in Ukraine is not under consideration at this time”. Pat Conroy, the defence industry minister, added: “we’re not envisaging that sort of commitment”.

The “coalition of the willing” was proposed by the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, in the event a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire could be negotiated. He outlined a plan for 30,000 peace-keeping troops from across Europe to be stationed in Ukraine as a deterrent to future Russian attacks or re-armament.

“The UK is prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air, together with others. Europe must do the heavy lifting,” he said.

Australia’s support for Ukraine has surpassed $1.5bn in aid since Russia’s invasion three years ago.
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