Anthony Albanese has left open the possibility of joining Vladimir Putin in a group photograph at the APEC summit in China.
The prime minister has also welcomed proposed talks between Russia, China and the US despite warnings from Ukraine.
Mr Albanese is in the Philippines for the ASEAN summit, where he is due to meet regional leaders and US President Donald Trump before he travels to China later in the week.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not ruled out appearing in a photograph alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin at an upcoming summit, despite condemning the invasion of Ukraine as "illegal and immoral".
The expected appearance of Mr Putin at APEC in China later this week has created a diplomatic challenge for many world leaders, with Mr Albanese leaving the door open to joining the traditional leaders' family photo at the event.
"I will respect and of course take into consideration the wishes of our host country," he told reporters in Manila on Sunday.
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated he would take part in the photo out of respect for China, but other leaders are yet to indicate their position.
Mr Albanese is in the Philippines for the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders'
