Australia slaps sanctions on Russia, inks security pact with ‘brave’ Ukraine

Australia has slapped fresh sanctions on hundreds of Russian individuals and entities while inking a major security pact with Ukraine, letting its military share “battle-tested expertise” with Australian soldiers and weapon-makers.

The agreement came with an extra $60m backing Ukraine’s fight against invading Russian forces, bringing Australia’s total aid to just under $1.9bn.

Anthony Albanese and Ukrainian President Volodymyr signed it on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly overnight, with the Prime Minister praising Ukraine’s “bravery”.

“This is an issue for the world, because if a large, more powerful country in Russia is allowed to profit from breaking the international rules of law with its illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine, then that sets a bad precedent for the entire world.”

He also announced that Australia step up multinational efforts to develop Ukraine’s navy.

“We made that commitment at the very beginning of this conflict, and we have not wavered, and we will not waver.

“I look forward to this agreement not just being in place during a period of war and conflict, but importantly as Ukraine is able to develop as a peaceful nation and to develop trade and the relations between our two countries as friends.”

Mr Zelenskyy thanked Mr Albanese and the Australian people for having “always been on the side of Ukraine” and hailed the agreement as elevating the relationship.

The latest round of sanctions against Russia brings the total to almost 1900.

The sanctions, as well as the military aid for Ukraine, has earned Australia place on the Kremlin’s list of “unfriendly countries”.

Speaking to reporters later, Mr Albanese condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “reprehensible” actions in Ukraine, saying they “inflicted enormous damage, not just … on the people of Ukraine, but also on respect for international law”.

He said he had “made Australia’s view very clear” to Russian officials.

Originally published as Australia slaps sanctions on Russia, inks security pact with ‘brave’ Ukraine