Foreign Minister Marise Payne has announced further sanctions on Russian oligarchs while attending a meeting of NATO leaders in Brussels.
Key points:
- A number of Russian politicians, including the Deputy Prime Minister, are among those targeted
- About 600 Russian individuals and entities have been sanctioned by Australia since the invasion began
- People entering Bucha after the Russian withdrawal have reported seeing mass graves and bodies of civilians lining streets
Ms Payne said Australia would impose sanctions on a further 67 Russians in response to Moscow's "illegal war" on Ukraine.
"Today I'm announcing 67 further sanctions on Russian elites and oligarchs, those close to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin who facilitate and support his outrageous actions," she said.
"The events we have seen uncovered in Bucha this week only reinforce the importance of strong global coordination in response to Russia for their actions."
Journalists and human rights observers have documented what appear to be mass graves and bodies of civilians lining streets following Russia's withdrawal from Bucha and other towns near Kyiv.
Those sanctioned include Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Duma, Aleksander Babakov, and other senior Russian government officials.
The list also includes prominent Russian military official Colonel-General Mikhail Mizintsev.
The latest announcement brings the total number of Russian individuals and entities sanctioned by Australia to about 600.
"[The government] is committed to imposing the highest costs on those who bear responsibility for Russia’s aggression in Ukraine or hold levers of power," a subsequent statement released by Ms Payne's office said.
"The Australian Government reiterates our strongest support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and for the people of Ukraine."
