The federal opposition leader, Peter Dutton, has publicly rejected former US President Donald Trump’s characterization of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator without elections.”
Trump’s inflammatory remarks, which accused Zelenskyy of mismanaging Ukraine and implied he was prolonging the war for personal benefit, have drawn widespread criticism. However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stopped short of directly rebuking the US leader, instead reiterating Australia’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russia.
Dutton: ‘Trump Got It Wrong’
Speaking on 2GB radio on Thursday, Dutton condemned Trump’s remarks, emphasizing Australia’s commitment to standing with Ukraine in what he described as a global fight for democracy.
“Australia should stand strong and proud with the people of Ukraine. It’s a democracy, and this is a fight for civilization. Vladimir Putin is a murderous dictator, and we shouldn’t be giving him an inch,” Dutton said.
“I think President Trump has got it wrong in relation to some of the public commentary that I’ve seen him make in relation to President Zelenskyy and the situation in Ukraine. Very careful thought needs to be given about the next steps, because if we make Europe less safe, or we provide some sort of support to Putin, deliberately or inadvertently, that is a terrible, terrible outcome.”
Albanese Stresses Support for Ukraine
While avoiding direct criticism of Trump, Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s stance on the war in Ukraine. Speaking in Whyalla, the prime minister stressed that Australia remained committed to upholding international law.
READ MORE: Donald Trump Critiques Ukraine’s Role in US-Russia Peace Talks
“I speak for Australia’s interests, and Australia stands with Ukraine in their struggle, which is a struggle not just for their own national sovereignty, but it is a struggle to stand up for the international rule of law,” Albanese said.
Later, in a radio interview with Melbourne’s 3AW, he declined to comment on whether Australians should be concerned about Trump’s return to the presidency, stating:
“Donald Trump has been elected president of the United States. As a country that respects democracies, we respect that.”
Marles: Conflict Must End on Ukraine’s Terms
Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles also refrained from direct criticism of Trump but underscored Australia’s position that Russia remains the aggressor in the war.
“The aggressor here is Russia. They were the ones who illegally crossed into Ukraine, who invaded Ukraine. That is why we are supporting Ukraine,” Marles told Sky News.
Marles dismissed the idea that Australia should consider deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine, despite former Prime Minister Tony Abbott suggesting Australia should be “prepared to make a contribution” to protect Ukraine’s freedom.
Rising Concerns Over Trump’s Ukraine Policy
Trump’s comments have raised concerns over the future of Western support for Ukraine. His remarks followed a high-level meeting between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine and other European nations were notably absent. This exclusion has fueled fears that Trump could push for a peace deal favoring Putin.
Australia has remained a steadfast supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Both the Morrison and Albanese governments have committed a combined $1.5 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Looking Ahead
As geopolitical tensions rise, Australia’s leaders appear determined to maintain their support for Ukraine. Dutton’s unusually direct criticism of Trump signals a potential shift in the opposition’s foreign policy stance, while Albanese’s careful wording suggests a desire to maintain diplomatic relations with the US without endorsing Trump’s position.
With concerns growing about Trump’s approach to global conflicts, Australia will likely continue navigating a delicate balance between supporting Ukraine and preserving its historically strong alliance with the United States.
