Australia Imposes Sanctions On Russia Over Ukraine
Canberra, Feb 23: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday termed Russia’s move on eastern Ukraine an “invasion” and said that the country will immediately introduce sanctions, including travel bans, on Russian individuals.
Addressing a press conference, the PM said: “Targeted travel bans and financial sanctions will be imposed on eight individuals on Russia’s national security council who are “aiding and abetting” the invasion, and broader sanctions will be extended to the separatist Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. “The invasion of Ukraine has effectively already begun. This invasion is unjustified, it’s unwarranted, it’s unprovoked and it’s unacceptable. “Russia is at peak readiness to now complete a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. And that is likely to occur within the next 24 hours and there are even reports already showing… things of that nature, which could indicate that it has already begun. “Australia has always stood up to bullies, and we will be standing up to Russia. It’s unwarranted. It’s unprovoked, it’s unacceptable.”
According to ABC News, sanctions extended to the separatist regions will target transport, energy, telecommunications, oil, gas and mineral reserves, as well as several Russian banks. The Prime Minister also said that more sanctions will be imposed on more Russian citizens and entities who seek to benefit from a Russian invasion of Ukraine. “We will be adding names to the list and we will ratchet it up further to potential areas of economic activity.” The sanctions by Australia are in line with the United States and United Kingdom, who announced sanctions on Tuesday.
