Ukraine situation: Australia announces sanctions

Media release

19 March 2014

The Australian Government will impose targeted financial sanctions and travel bans against individuals who have been instrumental in the Russian threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

I condemn in the strongest terms Russian President Vladimir Putin's move to annex the Ukrainian territory of Crimea. The unauthorised vote in Crimea on 16 March, carried out while Russian forces were effectively in control of the territory, cannot form the legitimate basis for any alteration of the status of Crimea.

The situation in Ukraine remains serious, with the potential for military confrontation.The fatal attack on a Ukrainian serviceman in Crimea is deplorable and underlines the volatility of the crisis Russia is fuelling.

Australia's financial sanctions and travel bans will cover 12 Russian and Ukrainian individuals at this point. These actions reaffirm Australia's clear and unequivocal support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

Australia stands with the international community in taking action. We have remained in close contact with friends and allies, including through our membership of the United Nations Security Council, where we have delivered strong protests to Russia about its conduct in relation to Ukraine.

I continue to urge the Russian government to abide by its international obligations, including its responsibility as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, for the maintenance of international peace and security.I call on Russia, again, to change course.