Australia reaffirmed its strong support for Ukraine, emphasizing that the war must be resolved on Kyiv’s terms. The country has committed A$1.5 billion in aid, with Defense Minister Richard Marles stating on Thursday that Russia is the aggressor and the global rules-based order is at stake.
Marles stressed that while peace efforts are welcome, they cannot come at Ukraine’s expense. "The war must be resolved on Ukraine’s terms," he said, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to backing Kyiv.
The comments follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks, where he called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy a "dictator" and suggested Ukraine was responsible for Russia’s 2022 invasion. Trump also warned that Ukraine must act swiftly to secure peace or risk losing its country, raising concerns among U.S. allies that his approach could favor Moscow.
Australia’s conservative opposition leader Peter Dutton also condemned Trump’s stance, calling it "wrong." Dutton, who was defense minister when the war began, refuted Trump’s claim that Ukraine was to blame. "Ukraine is a democracy, and this is a fight for civilization. Vladimir Putin is a murderous dictator, and we shouldn’t give him an inch," he said.
Australia remains a key U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific, where both nations have expressed concerns over China’s military expansion. Its unwavering support for Ukraine highlights its broader commitment to global stability and democratic values.