Newest Australian sanctions package against Russia is largest to date

Canberra has announced its biggest sanctions package against Russia since the onset of the full-scale war three years ago, according to the country’s government. The new restrictive measures target 70 individuals and 79 entities that aim to exert political and economic pressure on Moscow.

“For three years, Ukraine has bravely resisted Russia’s illegal and immoral war of aggression,” the Australian government said in a statement.

The sanctions impose financial restrictions and travel bans on targets in Russia’s defense sector, transportation, finance industries, and those involved in disseminating disinformation to undermine Ukraine and other governments, Australia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

They specifically target individuals who support Russia’s illegal administrations in eastern Ukraine and the Crimean Peninsula. 

This includes so-called ministers, judges, prosecutors, and those responsible for war-related sexual violence and the forced deportation of Ukrainian children, the latter of which Kremlin ruler is Vladimir Putin is wanted for war crimes.

Additionally, the restrictions target those involved in strengthening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, especially regarding the deployment of North Korean troops on the battlefield.

“Deepening Russia-North Korea military cooperation is a dangerous expansion of Russia’s war, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security,” the Australian government said.

To date, Australia has imposed more than 1,400 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It has also provided more than $1.5 billion in aid.

The newest package was adopted on Feb. 24, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“Australia mourns the loss of life of Ukraine’s citizens and defenders, and the generational toll of Russia’s brutality,” the statement said.

Canberra reaffirmed its ongoing support for Ukraine.

The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations announced that thousands of Ukrainians will join events in support of Ukraine on Feb. 24. You can read more about the global StandWithUkraine campaign, which includes over 1,000 events worldwide, by following the link.