Australian politicians have voiced strong support for Ukraine and its President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following critical remarks from United States President Donald Trump.
In a post published to his Truth Social platform, Trump described Zelesnkyy as a "dictator without elections" and warned him to "move fast" toward a peace deal with Russia.
He also appeared to blame Ukraine for the 2022 Russian invasion, saying: "You should have never started it."
Ongoing talks between the US and Russia seek to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, but concerns over Ukraine's sovereignty are growing, especially since its leaders were excluded from the negotiations in Saudi Arabia.
Defence Minister Richard Marles reiterated the Australian government's support for Ukraine, condemning Russia's actions as illegal and said Ukraine has the right to be involved in peace negotiations.
"We've said from the outset, and we continue to say, that this conflict can only be resolved on Ukraine's terms," he told Sky News on Thursday.
Marles said: "The aggressor here is Russia."
"They were the ones who illegally crossed into Ukraine, who invaded Ukraine."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also confirmed Australia's support for Ukrainian sovereignty at a press conference on Thursday.
"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," he said.
Marles dodges question about Trump's 'dictator' remark
Marles avoided a question on whether he agreed with Trump's description of Zelenskyy as a "dictator", saying: "I'm also not about to engage in a running commentary on President Trump’s remarks."
Opposition leader Peter Dutton criticised Trump's remarks on Zelenskyy and the war.
"Trump has got it wrong," he told 2GB radio.
He called the notion that Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people started the conflict "just wrong" and labelled Russian President Vladimir Putin a "murderous dictator".
"Very careful thought needs to be given to the next steps," he said.
Global leaders react to Trump's 'dictator' comment
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended Zelenskyy as a "democratically elected leader" and said it was "perfectly reasonable" for him to suspend elections during the war.
Zelenskyy declared martial law after the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, which removed certain democratic processes including the since cancelled general election.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Trump's comments were "wrong and dangerous", while French government spokesperson Sophie Primas said they were "incomprehensible".
— With additional reporting by Reuters.
