Australia has introduced its largest package of sanctions against Russia since 2022.
The new sanctions target Russia's financial, banking and defence sectors, as well as the aviation, oil and gas, transport and scientific and technical industries. The statement said the restrictions are intended to reduce Russia's revenues and further limit its ability to continue the war against Ukraine.
Another 180 individuals, legal entities and vessels of Russia's shadow fleet have been added to the sanctions list. In total, Australia has imposed more than 1,800 sanctions against Russia since the start of the full-scale war.
The document emphasises that the banking and financial sectors provide the purchase of technology and equipment to continue the war, the oil and gas and transport industries generate revenue for the Russian authorities, and the aviation and defence sectors are key to the development of Russia's military capabilities. Australia has also imposed sanctions for the first time against cryptocurrency companies that provide cross-border payments to circumvent restrictions.
The statement emphasises that Russia's full-scale invasion is a violation of international law, in particular the UN Charter. The Australian side has declared its commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and has praised the courage of the Ukrainian people.
The Australian government reported that it has provided Ukraine with more than $1.7 billion in aid, of which $1.5 billion is military support. Canberra has also allocated $40 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, including $10 million to ensure the operation of critical infrastructure in winter.
The statement noted that Russia continues to use winter as a tool of pressure, intensifying its attacks on Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure.
Australian officials called on Russia to immediately end the war, comply with its international legal obligations, in particular regarding the protection of civilians and the treatment of prisoners of war, and stated their intention to continue to support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
