Australia, a key U.S. security ally, has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine, insisting that peace in the war-torn nation must come on Ukraine’s terms. The country, which has provided A$1.5 billion in aid to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasized that Moscow remains the aggressor in this war.

According to Reuters, Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles highlighted that while the conflict has resulted in an extraordinary loss of life, any resolution must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and the global rules-based order.

“The war in Ukraine must be resolved on Ukraine’s terms, because the aggressor here is Russia, and what we see at stake is the integrity of the rules‑based order, the global rules-based order,” Marles told reporters.

“We welcome attempts to bring it to an end, but it cannot be on any terms—it must be on Ukraine’s terms, and we’ll continue to support Ukraine in that.”

Marles’ comments come amid growing concerns following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who on Wednesday labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator” and urged him to quickly secure peace or risk losing his country. Trump’s statements, coupled with his earlier claim that Ukraine bore responsibility for Russia’s 2022 invasion, have raised alarm among U.S. allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, who fear such rhetoric could embolden Moscow.

Australia remains a critical security partner for the United States in the Indo-Pacific, where both nations have expressed growing concerns about China’s military expansion. The war in Ukraine, however, remains a focal point of Australia’s international policy, reflecting its commitment to defending democratic principles and a rules-based global order.

Australia’s conservative opposition leader, Peter Dutton, also condemned Trump’s comments, calling them factually incorrect and dangerous.

“I think President Trump has got it wrong,” Dutton said. “The thought that President Zelenskiy or the Ukrainian people started this battle or were somehow responsible for the war is just wrong. Australia should stand strong and proud with the people of Ukraine. It’s a democracy, and this is a fight for civilisation. Vladimir Putin is a murderous dictator, and we shouldn’t be giving him an inch.”