Australian PM pledges support for Ukraine president after explosive White House meeting – but declines to directly comment on US president’s approach

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Anthony Albanese has reiterated Australia’s support for Ukraine after a fiery meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy – but declined to comment directly on how the confrontation might affect Australia’s relationship with the US.

US military support for Ukraine hangs in the balance and talks over a minerals deal deteriorated after a disastrous interchange at the White House that also included the US vice-president, JD Vance. The US president claimed his Ukraine counterpart was not “ready for peace” and accused him of “gambling with world war three”, before Zelenskyy left the White House early.