Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has firmly aligned with European allies in demanding that any peace plan to end the war in Ukraine must fully respect the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This stance comes amid significant international backlash against a proposal reportedly backed by former US President Donald Trump.
International Backlash Against Trump's Proposal
The controversial plan, which prompted a furious response from Ukrainians over the weekend, would have required Ukraine to cede territory it currently controls to Russia, reduce its army size, and relinquish long-range weapons. It also ruled out a European peacekeeping force and sanctions for Russian war crimes. Trump had initially given Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a deadline to sign this plan.
In response, European allies presented an alternative framework during talks in Geneva. This version omitted several of the pro-Russian provisions found in the original US-backed document and instead emphasised the need to respect Kyiv's sovereignty.
Australia's Firm Stance on a Lasting Peace
On Monday, Minister Wong echoed the European position. We support efforts to achieve a peace deal that ends Russia's illegal and immoral war and safeguards security and stability in Europe, she stated. Wong emphasised that a durable resolution must uphold Ukraine's sovereignty, support European security, and prevent Russia from renewing its aggression.
Following the criticism, Trump indicated that his plan was not my final offer, suggesting a potential for significant revisions. He commented from the White House, We'd like to get to peace. It should've happened a long time ago. We're trying to get it ended, one way or the other we have to get it ended.
Ukrainian Community and Diplomatic Response
The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) issued a strong rejection of the Trump proposal. AFUO Chair Kateryna Argyrou labelled the plan a dangerous capitulation to tyranny and aggression that would reward Putin and betray Ukraine's sovereignty. She called on the Australian government to join other nations, including the UK, Germany, France, Japan, and Canada, in formally rejecting it.
Ukraine's ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, stressed the importance of unwavering allied support. You can see any concession to Russia, they perceive it as a weakness and then will jump on it, he warned. He described the Geneva meetings as productive but noted it was too early to predict an outcome, reaffirming that Ukraine is defending democracy and fighting for our own survival.
