Russia threatens Australia with consequences for sending peacekeepers to Ukraine
Illustrative photo: Russia threatens Australia with consequences for sending peacekeepers to Ukraine (facebook.com_bundesheer)
Russia is threatening the Australian government over plans to send peacekeepers to Ukraine. The Russian Embassy in Australia has warned that the country's joining the peacekeeping coalition will have serious consequences, The Guardian reports.
The Russian embassy accused Australia of “remaining on the side of war along with those in Europe who are betting on the continuation and escalation of the conflict, despite encouraging developments towards peace talks.”
“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... 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,” the statement said.
At the same time, the Russians say that the above should not be taken as a threat.
“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,” the statement said.
Coalition of the willing
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the creation of a coalition of the willing to ensure peace in Ukraine. The main goal of the coalition is to bring together countries that are ready to send troops to Ukraine.
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that his country supports President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and is considering sending its military to Ukraine.
