**London:** Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reiterated Australia is open to contributing to a future peace-keeping effort in Ukraine as Britain flagged planning is moving to an “operational phase,” during a video hook-up with Western allies.
On Saturday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer rallied together a so-called “coalition of the willing” - some 29 Western nations, including European countries, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, but excluding the US.
Planning for a peacekeeping force for Ukraine will move to an “operational phase”, Mr Starmer said, as he sought concrete commitments to support Kyiv and urged allies to ramp up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks with other world leaders during a video conference at 10 Downing Street on Saturday.Credit: Getty Images
“We will build up Ukraine’s own defences and armed forces, and be ready to deploy as a ‘coalition of the willing’ in the event of a peace deal, to help secure Ukraine on the land, at sea and in the sky,” Mr Starmer said.
The UK PM has said Britain could send peacekeepers to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire deal but has called on Washington to offer a security “backstop”.
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Mr Albanese said it was in the Australian national interest to support Ukraine.
“Australia is open to considering any requests to contribute to a future peacekeeping effort in support of the just and lasting peace we all want for Ukraine,” Mr Albanese said.
“Australia is always open to considering any new proposals to support Ukraine – which we do so based on our capacity and comparative strengths.”