Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has weighed in on the fiery clash between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump.Speaking to reporters this morning, Albanese reaffirmed that the government remained in solidarity with Ukraine, although he declined to specifically comment on the remarks made by Trump and JD Vance."We stand with Ukraine," he said.
Anthony Albanese reaffirmed that the government remained in solidarity with Ukraine. (9News)"This year we've seen a land war in Europe go on for three years. The people of Ukraine are fighting not just for their own national sovereignty, they are fighting for the international rule of law," Albanese said."We will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, because this is the struggle of a democratic nation versus an authoritarian regime led by Vladimir Putin who clearly has imperialistic designs not just on Ukraine but throughout that region."We of course want to see peace in Ukraine and that's what Ukrainian people want as well."I tell you how you get peace in Ukraine quickly, which is to Russia stopping it's illegal and immoral invasion and Russia stopping the attacks on civilians, on civil infrastructure, engaging in this act of aggression that they have engaged in now for three years."It comes as a wave of leaders pledge to stand by Ukraine after the heated exchange at the Oval Office.Never before has an American president berated his visitor like Trump did to Zelenskyy, leading to an almost real-time breakdown in relations between Washington and Kyiv.Trump at one point threatened to give up on Ukraine entirely.
Trump at one point threatened to give up on Ukraine entirely. (AP)A planned news conference and ceremony to sign a US-Ukraine minerals deal was quickly cancelled after Trump asked Zelenskyy to leave the White House immediately.Albanese said the government would continue to stand up for Australia's national interest when referencing the exchange."What we will do is determine Australia's position and Australia stands with Ukraine," he continued."Russia has acted like a bully, a big country seeking to invade and to take over territory from another sovereign nation in this case, Ukraine."What we will do is stand up for Australia's national interest and Australia has an interest in the international rule of law being upheld."That is what the people of Ukraine are fighting for."