Australia imposes additional sanctions on dozens of Russian citizens and organizations
Penny Wong, head of the Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (photo: facebook.com/senatorpennywong)
The Australian government today, on the second anniversary of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, has imposed additional targeted financial sanctions and visa bans on 55 individuals, as well as financial restrictions on 37 organizations linked to the Kremlin's aggression, according to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs.
In a joint statement by the country's Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Assistant Minister, Member of Parliament Tim Watts, it is stated that two years after Russia's full-scale invasion, Australia mourns Ukraine's losses, and we steadfastly support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"Australia remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine to defend itself, and to holding those responsible for Russia's illegal and immoral invasion to account," the statement said.
Details about the new sanctions
The new sanctions target those involved in the deportation by Russia of Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories of the country. This decision follows the International Criminal Court's issuance of arrest warrants for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and the Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvovo-Belova for war crimes in the illegal deportations.
"We have also sanctioned targets in Russia's defense, energy, media, and minerals sectors, as well as targets involved in Russia's procurement networks in Belarus, Iran and North Korea," the Australian ministry stated.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that these sanctions reflect the Australian government's position that those who support Russia's illegal war will face consequences.
Support for Ukraine from Australia
As of now, Australia has imposed over 1200 sanctions in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The country's ministry also noted that today's sanctions are based on last week's statement that the government of Albania is providing $50 million to the International Fund for Ukraine, directly supporting the purchase of priority military equipment.
"This contribution takes Australia's overall support to Ukraine to approximately $960 million, including $780 million in military support," the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Intensification of sanctions against Russia
It was previously reported that on February 23, the US imposed a large package of sanctions against Russia for its military aggression in Ukraine. Hundreds of legal entities were affected by the restrictions.
Additionally, the European Union, as part of the 13th package of sanctions against Russia, imposed restrictions on several governors, officials in the occupied territories, and representatives of North Korea.
Furthermore, on February 23, Canada imposed new sanctions against Russia, including several defense plants, a seaport, and an assistant to dictator Vladimir Putin.
