Russia threatens Australia over possible sending of peacekeepers to Ukraine - Guardian
The Russian Federation has warned the Australian government of "serious consequences" if it joins the coalition of peacekeepers in Ukraine.
This is reported by The Guardian, Censor.NET reports.
The Russian Embassy in Australia has warned that the country's possible accession to a coalition of peacekeepers in the context of the war in Ukraine "will entail serious consequences." According to the embassy, Russia has repeatedly stated that foreign military presence on the territory of Ukraine is unacceptable.
Russia accuses Australia of "remaining on the side of the war" and supporting the escalation of the conflict, despite attempts at peace talks. The statement notes that the idea of deploying peacekeepers, including Western ones, could undermine peace efforts and only exacerbate the situation.
"Russia has repeatedly made it clear that a foreign military presence in Ukraine is absolutely unacceptable. Therefore, the idea of deploying Western military contingents in Ukraine under the guise of peacekeepers is designed to undermine peace efforts... For Australia, joining the so-called coalition of the willing will have serious consequences. Western boots on the ground are unacceptable to Russia, and we will not remain passive observers," the statement said.
At the same time, despite the harsh warning, the Russian side claims that this is not a threat to Australians, but only a warning to avoid "irresponsible adventurism" in times of war.
Peacekeeping forces in Ukraine
Earlier it was reported that French President Emmanuel Macron would discuss with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk the deployment of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine in the event of an agreement to end the current phase of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk denied that Polish troops would be sent to Ukraine after the ceasefire.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas assessed the possibility of sending a European peacekeeping mission to Ukraine.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crozetto expressed his readiness to support a peacekeeping mission to Ukraine if peace is achieved.
In turn, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called these discussions "premature."
Germany, together with its partners , will consider the possible deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of "security guarantees" only after the conditions are created, namely a ceasefire with Russia.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has stated that several countries are currently considering participation in a potential contingent of Western allies in Ukraine. However, specific plans for the deployment of foreign troops are still under discussion.
